#Japan #Tokyo #Prime Minister #Africa Day #TICAD

Prime Minister Ishiba's Message on Africa Day

On May 27, Japan commemorated Africa Day, a significant occasion highlighting the growing importance of the African continent in the international community. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba delivered an inspiring message during the celebration, addressing esteemed ambassadors and dignitaries from various African nations.

Growing Importance of Africa

In his address, Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized that the relevance of Africa on the global stage has significantly increased over recent years. A notable testament to this change is the African Union's accession as an official member of the G20 in 2023. Additionally, this year marks the first G20 summit being hosted in Africa, under the leadership of South Africa, showcasing a pivotal shift towards recognizing Africa's role in international affairs.

Long-term Vision through Agenda 2063

The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the collaborative efforts of African nations pursuing the African Union's long-term development framework, known as Agenda 2063. This initiative seeks to foster intraregional integration, including projects such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Such cooperation among African countries signifies a united front aimed at achieving sustainable development and economic growth across the continent.

Upcoming TICAD 9 in Yokohama

A highlight of this year's celebrations is the upcoming TICAD 9 (the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development) set to take place in Yokohama in August. Ishiba expressed his hopes for this conference to become a platform for tackling various challenges faced by both Africa and the global community. He envisions utilizing Japan's latest technologies and knowledge to co-create innovative solutions that will foster mutual prosperity between Japan and African nations.

Ishiba urged the attendees, notably the ambassadors from the African diplomatic missions in Japan, to encourage their respective leaders to participate in TICAD 9. This conference promises to be a significant event in bolstering collaborations focused on development and innovation.

Celebrating Cultural Exchanges at Expo 2025

The Prime Minister also expressed his delight regarding the ongoing Osaka-Kansai Expo, where leaders and representatives from various African countries have been visiting Japan. This event serves as an excellent opportunity for promoting trade, investment, and cultural exchanges between Japan and Africa. The face-to-face interactions at the expo are anticipated to strengthen diplomatic ties and foster a mutual understanding of cultures.

A Vision for 2025 and Beyond

Moreover, Ishiba articulated a collective ambition to make 2025 a breakthrough year for Japan-African relations, marking notable advancements in partnerships across multiple sectors. The celebration of Africa Day stands as a poignant reminder of the rich cultural connections and the fruitful collaborations that lie ahead.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Ishiba's message during the Africa Day celebration serves as a clarion call to deepen cooperation, enhance relationships, and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Africa to the world. Together, Japan and Africa can pave the way for a more integrated and prosperous global future.