<h6><strong>Eduardo González</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The Japanese ambassador in Madrid, Takahiro Nakamae, has highlighted, in his New Year's greeting message, the progress in defence and security between his country and Spain throughout 2024.</strong></h4> “Throughout 2024, we have had numerous opportunities to deepen relations between Japan and Spain and their strategic partnership, not only in personal exchanges, with the resumption of direct flights between Madrid and Tokyo in October, but also with notable initiatives in the areas of security and defence and the economy,” Nakamae said in the message, published on the Embassy's website. “On the other hand, it has been a year of sad events. At the beginning of the year, there was the earthquake on the Noto peninsula and, recently, the floods caused by torrential rains in the Valencian Community. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the victims and their families. We pray for the prompt recovery of the people and the affected areas,” he continued. In his message, Takahiro Nakamae stressed that, “during the past year, the relationship between Japan and Spain in terms of defense and security was one of the most prominent issues between the two countries.” “Ten years have passed since the defense cooperation agreement signed in 2014,” he recalled. “Spain is a strategic partner with whom we share fundamental values, and the ties between the two countries are getting closer every day,” he said. “In 2024, the dialogue between the general directors of Defense was held and joint exercises were carried out,” activities that represent “the best proof of the deepening of dialogue and cooperation between Japan and Spain,” the ambassador stressed. “Special mention should be made of the visit of four Eurofighters from the Spanish Armed Forces to Japan within the framework of the multinational exercise ‘Pacific Skies 24’ in the Indo-Pacific region,” he continued. “In addition, the opening of the Spanish resident attaché office in Japan has been made public, which will surely result in the strengthening of the exchange between the authorities and in the increase of military cooperation in many other areas such as defence equipment,” he said. “In the current geopolitical context, in which the Indo-Pacific and Europe are inseparable, I renew my determination to further consolidate the strategic relationship between Japan and Spain,” added Nakamae. “In the economic sphere,” continued the Japanese representative, “2024 has been characterised by the promotion of mutual exchange between companies and by new initiatives.” “In fact, there have been dynamic developments, such as the sending of trade missions to Spain with the participation of numerous Japanese companies, the commissioning of new projects in Japan to Spanish companies, and new participations of Japanese companies in the Spanish market,” he recalled. “Furthermore, cooperation between Japanese start-ups and Spanish companies has steadily increased, taking advantage of the strengths of both sides,” he added. “However,” he warned, “we believe that the potential for economic cooperation between the two countries remains enormous.” “In order to ensure that this great wave continues, we will continue to work with the Spanish Government and other institutions to promote initiatives that help companies start new projects,” he announced. <h5><strong>Osaka-Kansai Expo and the Kuroshio Current</strong></h5> Looking ahead to 2025, the ambassador recalled that, starting in April, the Osaka-Kansai Expo will be held “in the context of an unprecedented increase in the interest of the Spanish people in Japan, as shown by the record number of tourists visiting Japan from Spain reached in 2024.” “The theme of the Spanish Pavilion is the Kuroshio Current, which has nourished exchanges between the two countries for hundreds of years as a route linking East and West,” he said. The Kuroshio Current is a marine current located in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, which was discovered in 1565 by Andrés de Urdaneta from Guipuzcoa and facilitated the navigation of the so-called ‘Manila Galleon’ and, therefore, Spain’s hegemony over the Pacific Ocean. “The strong ties between Japan and Spain, which have been strengthened for more than 400 years, and the core values shared by both countries are now becoming increasingly important at a time of turning point in history and of increasing global division,” said Takahiro Nakamae. “In addition, Japan and Spain are deepening their cooperation both in their bilateral relations and in the global market and international community. We will continue to do our best in 2025 to ensure that the two countries continue to work together,” he concluded.
