(Press Release)
August 22, 2025
Japan Ministry of Defense
1. Meeting with Admiral Aguiar Freire, Chief of Joint Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces
On August 18, 2025, Parliamentary Vice Minister Kobayashi held a meeting with Admiral Aguiar Freire, Chief of Joint Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces at the Ministry of Defense of Brazil. This year commemorates the 130th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and both sides concurred that, in light of the increasingly complex and unpredictable regional and global security environment, it is essential to further strengthen the bilateral partnership, particularly in the field of defense, for the prosperity of both nations and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
2. Meeting with Admiral Bettega, Chief of Naval Staff of the Brazilian Navy
On the same day, PVM Kobayashi held a meeting with Admiral Bettega, Chief of Naval Staff of the Brazilian Navy at the Naval Headquarter of Brazil. Both sides exchanged views on Japan-Brazil defense cooperation and exchanges, and agreed to continue close cooperation at various levels based on the Memorandum on Japan-Brazil Defense Cooperation and Exchanges signed in 2020.
3. Signing and exchange ceremony of the Memorandum on Defense Cooperation and Exchanges between Japan and Chile with the Minister of Defense of Chile
On August 19, 2025, PVM Kobayashi met with Ms. Delpiano, Minister of Defense of Chile at the Ministry of Defense of Chile and participated in a signing and exchange ceremony for the Memorandum on Defense Cooperation and Exchanges between Japan and Chile. Based on the memorandum signed by DM Nakatani and Ms. Delpiano, both sides agreed to continue close communication between their defense authorities, further developing defense cooperation and exchanges in various fields.
4. Meeting with Vice Admiral Zamorano, Chief of the General Staff of the Chilean Navy
On the same day, PVM Kobayashi held a meeting with Vice Admiral Zamorano, Chief of the General Staff of the Chilean Navy. PVM Kobayashi welcomed the ongoing defense cooperation and exchanges, particularly among naval forces such as port calls. Both sides exchanged views on future defense cooperation and exchanges, and agreed to further advance their bilateral relationship.
Summary of Parliamentary Vice Minister Kobayashi’s visit to Brazil and Chile (PDF)