Japan expresses commitment at Africa's Development Conference

Japan is promoting free and open Indo-Pacific route to connect with Africa for giving boost to its investment in the continent

Japan Foreign Minister Taro Kono while addressing the opening ceremony of the Tokyo International Conference on Africa's Development (TICAD) said, "the world is facing greater uncertainty than ever before. As we believe Africa would be the most vulnerable region to such a climate, we are fully committed to working shoulder to shoulder with Africa".

"I would like to reiterate that Japan supports democracy in Africa, but at the same time, we highly value Africa’s own efforts to find 'African solutions to African problems' in promoting peace and security. Japan appreciates the positive trend in eastern Africa and stresses the importance of institution building as the foundation for peace and stability" Kono added.

Earlier Kono has visited Africa where he met President Rajaonarimanpianina of Madagascar, Toshimitsu Motegi Minister for Economic Revitalization and Hiroshige Seko Minister for Economy also visited Africa. Five former presidents of Africa continent Chissano, Soglo, Mkapa, Obasanjo, and Mbeki, the ‘Founding fathers’ of Africa, also came to Tokyo in August to discuss how to realize peace and stability in Africa.

Japan is marking the 150th anniversary of the Meiji Restoration of 1868, which was a turning point for Japan. In the years that followed, Japan established the basis of its democracy and realized significant development, while emphasizing education, human resource development, socio-economic reforms, and the rule of law.

Japan is promoting proactively on a free and open Indo-Pacific route, to connect Africa all the way to the coast of North and South America through the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Japan is trying to make a free and open maritime order and freedom of navigation based on the rule of law.

Japan also displayed its gratitude to UN Security Council reform and a comprehensive resolution of outstanding issues of concern regarding North Korea, including the abductions, nuclear and missile development in the conference.

(With inputs from APO Group)