Wednesday, May 14, 2003

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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi met with Mr. Abdoulaye Wade, the President of the Republic of Senegal at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. During the meeting, both leaders shared the view that economic growth in each country was important to reduce poverty in Africa, as well as aid from developed countries. Prime Minister Koizumi also expressed his intention to extend Japan's assistance in the area of education and agriculture. Followed by the Japan-Senegal summit meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi held a talk with ambassadors of 32 African nations in Japan, and announced "Japan's Initiative for Cooperation for Africa", a comprehensive cooperative policy for Africa. During the talk, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "There will be no stability and prosperity in the world in the 21st century unless the problems of Africa are resolved," and expressed his intention to treat the issue of assistance to Africa as a priority on the agenda at the G8 Evian Summit to be held in France in early June.