Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Sean Sobers, paid an official visit to Tokyo, Japan, following an invitation from the Government of Japan to engage in high-level bilateral discussions. The visit marked Minister Sobers’ first official mission to Japan since his appointment as Foreign Affairs Minister.
Minister Sobers was formally welcomed by His Excellency Takuma Miyaji, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during a bilateral meeting held on August 13th, 2025. The two Ministers reflected on the 62 years of cordial diplomatic relations between Trinidad and Tobago and Japan and explored ways to strengthen cooperation both bilaterally and within the broader CARICOM-Japan framework.
Discussions focussed on the 62 years of cordial, bilateral relations between both countries, strengthening cooperation within the CARICOM-Japan framework as well as bilaterally exploring new areas for collaboration.
Minister Miyaji gave his commitment for continued technical assistance by Japan to Trinidad and Tobago in numerous areas such as waste management as well as in tackling the prevalence of sargassum seaweed, which Trinidad and Tobago benefits through CARICOM/Japan relations. He conveyed his hope for the appointment of an Honorary Consul towards deepening bilateral relations, to which Minister Sobers committed. Minister Sobers further advised that Trinidad and Tobago will be appointing a High Commissioner to New Delhi in the near future, who will be accredited to Japan.
Minister Sobers also expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to engage in productive discussions with Minister Miyaji. He cited the mutual love of the steelpan by citizens of countries, which provided the opportunity for not only deeper cultural exchanges, but also for increasing tourism
between both countries through steelpan exchanges. He also identified further areas for bilateral cooperation such as Maritime, Aviation and Artificial Intelligence. Minister Sobers acknowledged the presence of major Japanese companies operating in Trinidad and Tobago and emphasised that
Trinidad and Tobago remains open for business and welcomes further Japanese investment and collaboration.
Minister Sobers also thanked the Japanese Government for the support for Trinidad and Tobago’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the period 2027- 2028 as well as the warm hospitality he received.
During his visit to Japan, Minister Sobers was also invited to a luncheon hosted by Mr. Nogoughi Yashushi, Director General of the Latin American and Caribbean Bureau. The Minister reiterated Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to multilateralism and discussions focused on exploring the
future potential of the country increasing its ethanol export through sugar cane production. Minister Sobers acknowledged that the relevant stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago would have to be consulted and he gave his commitment to raising discussions on the issue.