[Title] Video Message by H.E. Ms. KAWAKAMI Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, for the ceremony of the 110th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bolivia

Good morning everyone.

I am very pleased that tomorrow will mark the 110th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Commerce between Japan and Bolivia in 1914, which established diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Japan and Bolivia have a long tradition of friendship and are important partners.

In February of this commemorative year, when I visited Brazil to attend the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, I held the first Japan-Bolivia Foreign Ministers' Meeting in 11 years with Minister Sosa.

At that meeting, I expressed my desire to strengthen bilateral relations further with Bolivia and to continue to cooperate with Bolivia in the international arena, as well as to work closely together with each other as female foreign ministers.

This year also marks the 125th anniversary of the first Japanese immigration to Bolivia. I am very glad that more than 10,000 Nikkei people (Japanese immigrants and descents) in Bolivia are contributing to Bolivia's economic development and serving as a bridge between our two countries.

Japan has been cooperating with Bolivia for more than 60 years, contributing to the country's socioeconomic development, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and health. I look forward to further cooperation in the future, including in the field of renewable energy.

Japan and Bolivia are also increasing their people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Bolivia's diverse and rich landscapes, such as Salar de Uyuni, attract many Japanese tourists.

Bolivia's traditional music, folklore, has attracted a large audience to concerts in Japan, and Singani, a Bolivian distilled liquor made from muscat, has been imported and sold in Japan for several years, attracting Japanese consumers with its unique flavor.

Based on the foundation of the development of political, economic, and development cooperation as well as cultural, and people-to-people exchanges, I hope that this year's 110th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations will be an opportunity to promote more vigorous exchanges, including high-level exchanges, between Japan and Bolivia.

In commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 125th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Bolivia, a logo was created to symbolize the relationship between the two countries.

I hope that we will continue to strengthen and deepen the "Kizuna" (bond) between our two countries, which is also in the middle of this logo.

Muchas gracias.