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3rd Day of the 4th Tokyo International Conference
on African Development (TICAD IV)
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At the closing session, Prime Minister Fukuda first announced the Summary by the Chair of TICAD IV, which was followed by an address by Dr. Kemal Dervis, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as the representative of the co-organizers, and an address by His Excellency Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor, President of the Republic of Ghana, as the representative of the participants. Afterwards, the Yokohama Declaration, a document setting out policies for African development, was adopted. The TICAD IV Yokohama Action Plan, a roadmap of concrete measures to be taken, and the TICAD Follow-up Mechanism, a mechanism for monitoring the implementation status of the TICAD process, were also announced on this occasion. In concluding TICAD IV, Prime Minister Fukuda as the Chair of the Conference said, "We were able to nurture a strong sense of affinity during the past three days. As stated in the Summary by the Chair of TICAD IV, the participants expressed their strong expectation that the concrete results of TICAD IV will be reflected in discussions at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit, a meeting to be held about one month from now. As the Chair of the G8 Summit, I am determined to meet that expectation. Thanks to the great cooperation and support of each and every one of you, we were able to successfully conclude all the proceedings of TICAD IV, an international meeting of a size unprecedented in Japan's history of diplomacy." After the closing session, Prime Minister Fukuda held a joint press conference with His Excellency Mr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Chair of the African Union (AU), Her Excellency Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, His Excellency Dr. Kemal Dervis, UNDP Administrator, and Her Excellency Ms. Obiageli Ezekwesili, World Bank Vice President for the Africa Region. The Prime Minister said in the joint press conference, "Many people say, 'Unless African issues are resolved, there will be no stability and prosperity in the 21st century.' While Africa is still facing challenges such as conflict, famine, and HIV/AIDS, we see some positive developments in both political and economic spheres. The main objective of TICAD is for Japan, along with the international community, to vigorously support Africa to further enable countries to take their own steps 'towards a vibrant Africa.' During the three days of the Conference, I had talks with a total of 46 people, including 40 leaders of African countries. The African leaders gave me candid, valuable opinions on their impressions of TICAD IV and the current situation of Africa. The results of these meetings will be fully reflected not only in respective bilateral relations but also in Japan's measures for African development." The Prime Minister also met with Professor Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University in the United States, and Dr. Gertrude Mongella, President of the Pan-African Parliament, and exchanged opinions with them.
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