Joint Statement on the launch of Japan-MERCOSUR Economic Partnership Agreement

"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)

Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations

National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Joint Statement on the launch of Japan-MERCOSUR Economic Partnership Agreement

[Place] Evian

[Date] June 16, 2026

[Source] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

[Notes]

[Full text]

The Prime Minister of Japan, Takaichi Sanae, and the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, held a summit meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, on June 16, 2026.

The two leaders recalled the discussions held within the Japan-MERCOSUR Strategic Partnership Framework, which was launched on December 20, 2025 and comprised two meetings in January and March 2026.

These discussions encompassed a wide range of fields, such as trade and investment, and the current international context. The partners also exchanged information regarding each other’s areas of interest and sensitivities, which should be duly addressed. Based on these discussions and the shared recognition of the strategic importance of this Partnership, Japan and MERCOSUR affirmed their aspiration to advance their economic and trade ties.

After taking stock of the outcome reached under the Framework, the two leaders welcomed the progress made and, based on a common resolve of all the parties, announced the launching of negotiations for the Japan- MERCOSUR Economic Partnership Agreement at the upcoming 68th Summit of MERCOSUR Heads of State and Associated States, to be held in Asunción, by the end of June.