On September 30, commencing at 10:50 a.m. for approximately 35 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a Foreign Ministers’ meeting with the Hon. Everly Paul Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, who is visiting Japan on the occasion of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The overview is as follows:

1. At the outset, Minister IWAYA welcomed Minister Greene’s third visit to Japan and stated that the Antigua and Barbuda National Day, which was held on September 28 at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, served as a valuable opportunity to promote Antigua and Barbuda in Japan and the world.

2. In response, Minister Greene stated that the Antigua and Barbuda’s National Day at the Expo was a great success, and expressed his appreciation for Japan’s cooperation in various fields. He also conveyed his intention to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in the international arena.

3. Both ministers confirmed their commitment to further progress of the bilateral cooperation that contributes to overcoming the vulnerabilities of small island states and achieving sustainable development, while leveraging Japan’s technology and expertise, including those of the private sector.

4. In addition, the two ministers exchanged views on the situation in East Asia, such as their policies toward North Korea, including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue, and concurred to strengthen cooperation toward maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law.