Japan-Togo Summit Meeting

On September 28, commencing at 2:13 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, President of the Republic of Togo, who is visiting Japan to attend the State Funeral for Former Prime Minister ABE Shinzo. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his gratitude to President Gnassingbe for his attendance at the State Funeral for Former Prime Minister ABE Shinzo and stated he wished to further develop excellent diplomatic relations established under former Prime Minister Abe. In response, President Gnassingbe conveyed his sincere condolences to former Prime Minister Abe. Prime Minister Kishida thanked Mr. Gnassingbe for visiting the Great East Japan Earthquake affected areas twice since the disaster.

2. Prime Minister Kishida then stated that Japan intended to reinforce its relation with Togo, which has the potential to become a regional economic hub. President Gnassingbe then expressed his appreciation for Japan's extensive support for Togo and his expectations for further strengthening of bilateral relations.

3. Furthermore, the both sides shared the view that every state should respect international rules and standards to continue to work together in responding to international issues, such as the situation in Ukraine. Prime Minister Kishida also stated the importance of strengthening food security and the both sides confirmed to cooperate with each other on this issue. They also affirmed the importance of strengthening the functions of the United Nations, including UN Security Council reform. Finally, they confirmed to work for further development of bilateral relations, following up on the outcome of TICAD 8.