8 | The Japan Times | Wednesday, August 25, 2021 Uruguay Independence Day Special Celebrating a century of diplomacy and a brighter future CESAR FERRER athletes were able to compete and could Foreign Minister Francisco Bustillo had A traditional Uru- AMBASSADOR OF URUGUAY finally fulfill their Olympic dreams as a fruitful meetings with the minister, which guayan gaucho looks result of Japan’s outstanding organization, gave new momentum and a clear direction over his herd in the On this remark- resilience against difficulties and tradi- to our bilateral, regional and multilateral countryside. able occasion we tional omotenashi (spirit of selfless hospi- agendas. INSTITUTO NACIONAL celebrate the 196th tality). This time, the Paralympic Games Now we are looking forward to high- DE CARNES anniversary of the will surely be the next organizational suc- level official visits that will bring our national indepen- cess of Japan. bilateral relations to a new level by dence of the Ori- Regarding diplomacy, 2021 marks the strengthening our political dialogue based ental Republic of first 100 years of our friendly diplomatic on our common values and principles, Uruguay, as well as relations. We should recognize the com- such as the promotion of peace, freedom, the 100th anniver- mitment and efforts made by each of our democracy, human rights, a rules-based sary of the establish- successive governments, businesspeople, global society, open and free trade, interna- ment of diplomatic relations with Japan. I societies and, in general, the people of our tional cooperation and multilateralism. am deeply honored to convey my respect- two countries that made possible the suc- On the economic aspects, the entry into ful greetings to Their Majesties Emperor cess of our common journey. Looking for- force of the bilateral agreement to avoid Naruhito and Empress Masako, the impe- ward, it is time to reflect together on the double taxation reinforces the suitable rial family, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, opportunities that the future will bring for environment and proper framework for ministers, Diet members, government insti- the benefit of our people. mutual promotion of trade and invest- tutions and the people of Japan. Last January, the official visit of Foreign ment that complement the provisions The year 2021 will be remembered as the Minister Toshimitsu Motegi to Uruguay, of the 2017 agreement on liberalization, year the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games suc- the first such visit since 1986, was undoubt- promotion and protection of investments. cessfully took place during the most chal- edly the most auspicious start of this These two agreements highlight and lenging health situation in the world. The centenary. President Luis Lacalle Pou and strengthen Uruguay’s stable business envi- ronment, which is marked by legal sound- On the bilateral cooperation front, ness and political stability supported by a technical cooperation has been an impor- consolidated democracy and the nation’s tant chapter of our relations during past strategic location in the Mercosur region. decades. Now it’s time to think together Incentives for investment promotion are about new areas and ways of implemen- available for both national and foreign tation, such as triangular cooperation in capital. Therefore, Uruguay welcomes agriculture and livestock development, more Japanese investments with a guaran- digital projects, climate change challenges, teed legal framework and an encouraging and how to cooperate in fulfilling the U.N. business climate. sustainable development goals through In bilateral trade, the highlight is the renewable energy and projects like green increase of beef exports to Japan: Thanks hydrogen development. to the increasing preference of the discern- Cultural, sports and youth exchanges ing Japanese consumer, Uruguay, after just will be promoted as a basis for better over two years in this exclusive market, is mutual knowledge and common under- now already the sixth major international standing. These objectives are already beef provider in Japan. This outstanding agreed upon and once the international This content was success has been possible thanks to the health situation allows it, activities and compiled in col- trust and cooperation of importers, dis- programs will take place for the well-being laboration with the tributors, final users and consumers. Other of our people. embassy. The views fine products from Uruguay that also enjoy In conclusion, the scope and depth of expressed here do growing interest among local consumers our partnership, as well as our mutual not necessarily The foreign ministers of Japan and Uruguay, Toshimitsu Motegi and Francisco Bustillo, exchange include wine, caviar, olive oil, frozen fish, commitment, promise a bright common reflect those of the COMITÉ ORGANIZADOR DEL CENTÉSIMO ANIVERSARIO DE LAS RELACIONES greetings during Motegi’s official visit to Uruguay in January. PRESIDENCIA URUGUAY honey and propolis. future. newspaper. DIPLOMÁTICAS URUGUAY - JAPÓN We invite you to celebrate the anniversary of Congratulations Congratulations the independence of to the People of to the People of to the People of Uruguay Uruguay with our Uruguay on on the Anniversary of Uruguay on award-winning Tannat. Salud! Their Independence the Anniversary of the Anniversary of Their Independence Their Independence Imported and distributed in Japan by Vinos Yamazaki Co. Ltd. www.glocal-japan.com https://www.v-yamazaki.co.jp/ Congratulations Congratulations Congratulations Congratulations to the People of Uruguay to the People of Uruguay to the People of to the People of Uruguay Uruguay on on the Anniversary of on the Anniversary of on the Anniversary of the Anniversary of Their Independence Their Independence Their Independence Their Independence https://www.marubeni.com Tel: 03-6262-3512 https://www.kanematsu.co.jp/en/ https://www.marubeni-meat-selection.com/en/recipe/ https://www.nipponham.co.jp/eng/ https://www.pmifoods.com/ PAGE: 8 Uruguay Independence Day Special Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi pays a courtesy call on Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou during his official visit to the country in January. PRESIDENCIA URUGUAY Toward closer ties, stronger trade TEIJI HAYASHI Japan-Uruguay relations have espe- tegic cooperation between both countries. DIRECTOR-GENERAL, LATIN AMERICA cially been strengthened in recent years. In In January, Toshimitsu Motegi made the AND CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS BUREAU, December 2018, when Shinzo Abe became first visit by a Japanese foreign minister in AMBASSADOR, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN the first Japanese prime minister to ever 35 years to start off the memorial year, and AFFAIRS OF JAPAN visit to Uruguay, Japan and Uruguay agreed signed the Japan-Uruguay Customs Mutual to open their beef markets to each other, Assistance Agreement together with For- On the occasion of enabling citizens of the two countries to eign Minister Francisco Bustillo. the 196th anniver- enjoy both wagyu and Uruguayan beef. Furthermore, commemorative events are sary of the inde- Since then, Uruguayan beef has gained being planned and held in both countries pendence of the popularity in Japan, with a number of to deepen our mutual understanding. In Oriental Republic of major steak restaurants serving it regularly Japan, for example, Japan Post is issuing a Uruguay, I am hon- or temporarily, often quickly running out special stamp portraying the iconic scenery ored to extend my of stock. Also, several economic treaties and culture of Uruguay on Sept. 24, which warm greetings and have been concluded to boost trade and is the day our diplomatic relations began in congratulations. investment, and the number of Japanese 1921. In Uruguay, cherry blossom trees are As promoters companies in Uruguay has nearly tripled in planted in various places as a commemora- of free trade and democracies sharing the past eight years. tive project led by the Japanese Embassy. fundamental values, such as freedom, This year marking the 100th anniversary Through these events, I hope that Japan human rights and the rule of law, our two of the establishment of diplomatic rela- and Uruguay will further strengthen bilat- countries are now invaluable partners for tions between Japan and Uruguay is a great eral relations in many aspects, such as poli- each other. opportunity to further strengthen the stra- tics, economics and culture. A Uruguayan farmer tends to his cattle. INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE CARNES Traditional dish of Uruguayan beef INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE CARNES Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Uruguayan counterpart Francisco Bustillo sign the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement in January. PRESIDENCIA URUGUAY Independence square in Montevideo and view of the harbor. MINISTERIO DE TURISMO DE URUGUAY.