Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Inauguration of H.E. Mr. Denis SASSOU NGUESSO, President of the Republic of Congo, as Chair of the African Union (AU)

January 27, 2006

Japan congratulates H.E. Mr. Denis SASSOU NGUESSO, President of the Republic of Congo, on his inauguration of Chair of the African Union (AU).
Japan hopes that President SASSOU NGUESSO will exert strong leadership as the AU Chair throughout his one-year term, as the AU has been given a really critical role to play in advancing African regional cooperation and integration for the peace and prosperity of Africa as a whole.
Since President SASSOU NGUESSO is an active promoter of peace not only in his own country but also in the region, his inauguration as the AU Chair will be able to bring about positive effects on peace consolidation in Africa, which Japan attaches particular importance in its policy towards Africa. In this regard, Japan hopes for even closer coordination and cooperation with President SASSOU NGUESSO.

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