In the context of the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Japan, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono visited Mexico to reaffirm the ties of friendship and bilateral cooperation, and follow up on the high-level meetings between both countries.
Minister Kono met with Foreign Secretary Videgaray to discuss the main bilateral, regional and multilateral issues. Foreign Secretary Videgaray reiterated Mexico's appreciation for the support of the Japanese government and people after last September's earthquakes.
The two officials agreed on the excellent level of the political dialogue and highlighted the dynamism of the economic exchanges. They emphasized that since adoption of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) bilateral trade has increased to more than USD 22 billion. They also reaffirmed their governments' commitment to open markets and to free trade.
Lastly, they welcomed the recent ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) by the Mexican Senate and the unprecedented increase in direct Japanese investment in Mexico. Foreign Secretary Videgaray expressed his appreciation for the confidence Japanese companies have put in Mexico, saying that protecting their investments is a priority for the Mexican government.
They subsequently discussed various multilateral issues such as disarmament and migration. Regarding regional affairs, Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Mexico's interest in the inter-Korean talks as a way to achieve peace in the region.
Japan is Mexico's 4th largest trading partner worldwide and it's top Asia-Pacific investor.
