Japanese Premier Ishiba, Chilean President Boric affirm commitment to free trade

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Chilean President Gabriel Boric on Sunday reaffirmed the importance of free trade as global markets face mounting uncertainty, according to the Jiji Press news agency.

Meeting at the Japanese Prime Minister’s official residence in Tokyo, the two leaders discussed the economic impact of high tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.

Ishiba expressed Japan’s interest in deepening cooperation with Chile in the mining sector, citing the South American country as a key supplier of copper and lithium.

Boric, for his part, thanked Japan for its ongoing support in developing Chile’s disaster prevention capabilities, highlighting both nations' vulnerability to natural disasters.

The two leaders engaged in a broad discussion on economic issues, and reaffirmed the vital role of free trade amid what they described as a historic turning point for the world.

Boric is on a two-day state visit to Japan from Sunday to Monday and he is scheduled to attend Chile’s national day event on Monday at the World Exposition in Osaka.

The Donald Trump administration has imposed a 10% baseline tariff on most imports from Chile, while Japan faces a 25% tariff on its auto exports and a 24% tariff on other goods.