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On September 5, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a summit meeting and other events with H.E. Mr. Lenín Boltaire Moreno Garcés, President of the Republic of Ecuador, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
The two leaders attended a salute and guard of honor ceremony and then held a summit meeting. Afterwards, the leaders held a signing ceremony, an exchange of documents ceremony, and a joint press announcement; the Japan-Ecuador Joint Statement was released.
 
Lastly, the Prime Minister hosted a banquet at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence and said in his address,
 
“I would like to offer my heartfelt welcome to President Moreno and his wife on their visit to Japan. I am extremely pleased to have you both in Tokyo on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Japan-Ecuador diplomatic relations.
 
While Japan and Ecuador are separated by great geographical distance, our two countries are in fact connected through a variety of bonds. One example is Dr. Hideyo Noguchi. In the year that our diplomatic relations were first established, 100 years ago, Dr. Noguchi began researching yellow fever in Ecuador. The story of his distinguished service, which saved many lives, is still told today, and I was told that there are statues erected in honor of Dr. Noguchi across Ecuador.
 
The famous Galapagos Islands are also in Ecuador. By the way, my own cell phone is what we in Japan call a ‘Galapagos phone.’* With both beautiful nature and a treasure trove of rare animals, the Galapagos Islands were the first location designated as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, and are today visited by many Japanese tourists.
 
Ecuador is also the world’s largest exporter of bananas, and accounts for the second largest share of banana exports to Japan. The Tanabe Farm bananas, grown by Mr. Tanabe who has joined us today from Ecuador, are premium bananas that sell for 100 yen each, and are highly popular at premium supermarkets such as Seijo Ishii and at convenience stores.
 
This evening, we have invited leading figures from across the country who are supporting the friendship between our two countries in a variety of fields, such as politics, the economy, and culture. It is thanks to all your efforts that Japan and Ecuador share such excellent relations today. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you and ask for your continued support for the further development of Japan-Ecuador relations.
 
I now wish to offer a toast to the good health of President Moreno and his wife, and all the distinguished guests here tonight, as well as to the further strengthening of the bonds between our two countries across the Pacific for another 100 years of friendship. Everyone, please raise your glasses to the continued development of the Japan-Ecuador relationship. Cheers!”
*A flip-phone