On 7 July 2023, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andris Pelšs, met with Hirofumi Nakasone, Chairman of the Japan-Latvia Parliamentary Friendship Group, and a delegation led by him to discuss the dynamics of bilateral relations as well as global issues, with a particular focus on security.
During the talks, the officials stressed that Latvia and Japan are like-minded countries united by common values. Andris Pelšs thanked Japan for its firm stance on Russia's aggression against Ukraine and for its considerable political, humanitarian and financial support to Ukraine. At the same time, it was stressed that not only should assistance to Ukraine be continued, but Russia should also be held accountable for the crimes it has committed. The officials also discussed potential cooperation between Latvia and Japan in the context of Ukraine's reconstruction. The meeting also focused on the security situation and developments in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as on security cooperation.
During the visit, the delegation, led by Hirofumi Nakasone, will also meet with the Minister of Defence, Ināra Mūrniece, the Working Group of Members of the Parliament on Cooperation with Japan and the Speaker of the Saeima, Edvards Smiltēns, as well as visit Koknese and the closing concerts of the Song and Dance Festival.
