On August 24, commencing at 12:00 p.m., Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, hosted a working lunch on Contributing to Solving the Global Agenda, inviting the representatives of the countries participating in the TICAD Ministerial Meeting for approximately 90 minutes. The overview is as follows.

At the outset, Minister Kamikawa stated the importance of enhancing inclusive and responsible global governance and expressed her intention for Japan and Africa to learn from each other and promote cooperation that leads to the co-creation of solutions for the global agenda, while also bearing in mind the SDGs and Agenda 2063, which represents Africa’s own development goals. She also mentioned the importance of strengthening the functions of the UN, centered on Security Council reform.
Lively remarks were made by all participating ministers. The importance of perspectives such as SDGs, WPS, youth, digital, AI, green, climate change, food security, conflict, etc. was pointed out. Ministers also stated that the voices of Africa should be further reflected in global governance, including the UN Security Council and the international development finance system, and expressed their hope for stronger cooperation with Japan to solve global issues, including the use of TICAD.
In closing, Minister Kamikawa summarized that the exchange of views on the possibilities of cooperation between Japan and Africa regarding the global agenda had been fruitful, and stated that it formed a good basis for future discussions at the ongoing TICAD Ministerial Meeting.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

On August 24, commencing at 7:00 p.m., Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a welcome reception, inviting the Ministers of African countries and representatives of international organizations, who are visiting Japan to attend the TICAD Ministerial Meeting, for approximately 90 minutes. The overview is as follows.

At the outset, Minister Kamikawa delivered an address, welcomed the African delegations’ participation in the TICAD Ministerial Meeting, and expressed her intention to further strengthen coordination with African countries towards the success of TICAD 9, which is scheduled to be held in Yokohama next August. She announced the TICAD 9 official logo afterwards.
Following this, Mr. YAMANAKA Takeharu, Mayor of the City of Yokohama, the host city for TICAD 9, delivered an address, stating that the City of Yokohama will contribute to the success of TICAD 9 through warmly welcoming the participants to the conference. In addition, Mr. AISAWA Ichiro, Member of the House of Representatives of Japan and Chairman of the Japan-African Union (AU) Parliamentary Friendship League, proposed a toast.
At the reception, traditional Bon-odori dancing from various areas of Japan were performed to showcase the diversity of Japanese culture. Furthermore, dishes made with ingredients from various areas of Japan, including disaster-affected areas such as the Tohoku Region and Ishikawa Prefecture, were served.
In addition, booth exhibitions were organized by Japanese companies, public agencies, local governments, participating organizations, and exchanges were held with the reception participants at the venue.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

On August 24th, commencing at 5:05 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with Hon. Dr. Situmbeko MUSOKOTWANE, Minister of Finance and National Planning of the Republic of Zambia, who is visiting Japan to attend the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting. The overview is as follows.

At the outset, Minister Kamikawa mentioned that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Zambia and stated that Zambia is an important like-minded country that shares fundamental values and principles. Minister Kamikawa also conveyed Japan’s decision to extend an Emergency Grant Aid of USD 2 million to Zambia which has been experiencing serious food insecurity and expressed her expectation for contributing to food security in Zambia through this assistance. In response, Minister Musokotwane expressed his gratitude for Japan’s cooperation to date.
Minister Kamikawa stated that she would like to strengthen bilateral economic relations, including the development of key mineral resources. Minister Musokotwane expressed his expectations for further investment from Japan and creation of added value.
The two ministers confirmed that they would further develop Japan-Zambia relations towards TICAD 9 in the coming year.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

On August 24, commencing at 17:33 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Minister of the Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Mauritanians abroad of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania who is visiting Japan to participate in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting. The overview is as follows.

At the outset, Minister Kamikawa expressed her gratitude for being co-chair of the TICAD Ministerial Meeting. She also paid tribute to Mauritania contributing to peace and stability in the Sahel region. In response, Minister Merzoug stated that Japan is an important partner and that Mauritania would like to cooperate for the success of TICAD 9 to be held next year.
The two ministers concurred on working to further enhance bilateral relations in a broad range of areas, including fisheries and agriculture.

The two ministers confirmed that they would further develop Japan-Mauritania relations towards TICAD 9 in the coming year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.