Japan-Rwanda Summit Meeting

On November 14, commencing at 18:55 p.m. (local time) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, who is visiting Indonesia for the G20 Summit, held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Mr. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida stated that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the friendship between Japan and Rwanda, and that he would like to take this opportunity to further deepen our relationship through the follow-up to TICAD8. In response, President Kagame expressed his gratitude for the wide range of support from Japan to date, and expressed his hope to further develop bilateral relations on this occasion. President Kagame also expressed his condolences for the passing of former Prime Minister Abe. 

2. Prime Minister Kishida stated that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is outrageous act that shakes the very foundation of the international order. He welcomed the fact that Rwanda has voted in favor of a series of the UN resolutions related to Ukraine and stated that it is important for the international community as a whole to send a clear message to Russia that we are seriously concerned about Russia’s nuclear threat, which is absolutely unacceptable, and that it goes without saying that Russia should never use nuclear weapons under any circumstances. President Kagame responded that Rwanda and the African continent have been adversely affected by the situation and that it is important to seek a resolution. The two leaders then agreed to work closely together to resolve the dispute as soon as possible. 

3. The two leaders also exchanged views on Rwanda’s contribution for the stabilization of surrounding areas of LNG development project in Mozambique as well as regional situation in East Asia and other issues, such as on dealing with North Korea including the nuclear and missile issue as well as the abductions issue. The two leaders concurred to continue working more closely together to address these issues in the international arena.