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The Prime Minister in Action
Ministerial Meeting on TICAD7
July 23, 2019
Photograph of the Prime Minister making a statement (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister making a statement (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister making a statement (3)
[Provisional Translation]
On July 23, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a ministerial meeting on the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) at the Prime Minister’s Office.
At the meeting, a discussion was held on Japan’s initiatives towards TICAD7.
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
“From August 28, the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) will be held in Yokohama. Among a series of large events, such as the G20 Osaka Summit in June, the G7 Summit in August, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Summit at the United Nations in September, TICAD7 is an important conference focusing on Africa.
At TICAD7, I would like to hold active discussion centered on the three pillars of economy, society and peace and stability, and deliver tangible outcomes.
In terms of economy, Africa is said to be the world’s greatest frontier in the 21st century. In May this year, the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has entered into force, which is helping to create a common market that is home to approximately 1.3 billion people. The digital revolution and innovation are being progressed. At TICAD7, we will further assist growth in Africa through quality infrastructure, which lays a foundation for growth, and human resources development, as well as utilization of innovations in science and technology.
With respect to society, it is necessary to promote our efforts to achieve the SDGs. Africa is facing several challenges that they need to address, such as climate change and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Japan and Africa will hold a wide array of discussions together to achieve the SDGs in Africa and aim at realizing specific targets, based on the concept of human security.
On peace and stability, we will support Africa’s own forward-looking efforts through our concrete initiatives, including peacebuilding towards our goal that Africa promotes it by themselves.
TICAD has the longest history in the world as a forum that addresses African development, as more than a quarter century has passed since its inaugural meeting. I ask you to ensure that the Government works as one to make all the necessary preparations under the leadership of each minister, so that Japan can unveil its impactful initiatives at TICAD7, which will be held in one month’s time.”
