217th Anniversary of Ecuador’s Independence
On August 21, 2026, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), attended a reception commemorating the 217th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Ecuador. The reception was hosted by H.E. Mr. César Montaño, Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador to Japan.
The celebration brought together representatives of the Government of Japan, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, academics, and friends of Ecuador to commemorate the country’s independence and reaffirm the growing friendship between Ecuador and Japan.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Montaño reflected on the historic significance of Ecuador’s independence and welcomed the distinguished guests attending the celebration.
Representing the Government of Japan, Mr. Yohei Onishi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivered congratulatory remarks following Ambassador Montaño. He described Japan and Ecuador as important partners that share common values and principles. He also highlighted the growing momentum in bilateral relations following President Daniel Noboa’s visit to Japan in 2025 and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi’s visit to Ecuador in August 2026.
Parliamentary Vice-Minister Onishi expressed his expectation that the Japan-Ecuador Economic and Trade Committee would hold meaningful discussions on ways to deepen bilateral economic relations across a wide range of fields. He also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to further strengthening the partnership.
The reception took place shortly after the Japan-Ecuador Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Ecuador on August 6, 2026. During the meeting, the two countries discussed the possibility of establishing a bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). They agreed to continue broad economic discussions through the Economic and Trade Committee, which will report its findings to the two foreign ministers by the end of 2026.
Minister Motegi also explained Japan’s updated vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), which promotes the rule of law, open and secure sea lanes, resilient supply chains, sustainable development, and international cooperation. Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Roberto Kury Pesantes expressed his country’s support for the initiative. As a Pacific-facing Latin American country, Ecuador is well positioned to serve as an important bridge between South America and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Its support for FOIP reflects the expanding strategic dimension of relations between Ecuador and Japan.
On behalf of JAPOLAC, Dr. Diaz conveyed his warm congratulations to Ambassador Montaño and to the Government and people of Ecuador on the occasion of the 217th Anniversary of Ecuadorian Independence. He also reaffirmed JAPOLAC’s commitment to supporting the Embassy of Ecuador’s initiatives in Japan and promoting greater awareness of Ecuador’s culture, economy, and business opportunities.
