On February 26, 2025, Ms. IKUINA Akiko, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Hon. Vijitha HERATH in Geneva. The discussion centered on bilateral relations and Japan’s ongoing support for Sri Lanka’s economic reforms. Both parties agreed to collaborate further, emphasizing regional stability and prosperity.
On February 26, 2025, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Ms. IKUINA Akiko, met with Hon. Vijitha HERATH, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka. This meeting took place in Geneva, Switzerland, where Ms. IKUINA was attending the High-Level Segment of the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council and the Conference on Disarmament. The discussions lasted approximately 20 minutes.
During the meeting, Ms. IKUINA emphasized the importance of Sri Lanka as a partner in Japan’s initiative to promote a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” She expressed Japan’s commitment to work collaboratively towards achieving regional stability and prosperity. Ms. IKUINA assured continued cooperation that recognizes the needs of the Sri Lankan populace.
Furthermore, she highlighted Japan’s anticipation of Sri Lanka’s implementation of IMF-agreed reforms, which are essential for economic growth. In response, Minister Herath thanked Japan for its ongoing support and expressed his eagerness to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors, including political, economic, and cultural exchanges.
Both parties agreed to persist in their joint efforts to develop and strengthen bilateral relations, recognizing the mutual benefits of their collaboration. This commitment underscores the significance of their partnership for both nations’ future diplomatic and economic engagements.
The meeting between Ms. IKUINA and Minister Herath served as a platform to reaffirm Japan’s support for Sri Lanka and to discuss the importance of ongoing reforms and bilateral cooperation. As both nations continue to strengthen their ties, they aim for mutual growth and stability in the region. The commitment to uphold a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” remains central to their diplomatic relationship.
Original Source: www.mofa.go.jp
