Japan-Tanzania Foreign Ministerial Meeting

May 18, 2007

On 15 May, Mr. Taro Aso, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held talks with Hon. Bernard Kamillius Membe, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of the United Republic of Tanzania. Following the talks, Mr. Aso hosted a dinner in honor of Mr. Membe. The outline of the discussion is as follows.

Mr. Aso welcomed Hon. Membe’s first visit to Japan, and conveyed his respect for Tanzania’s efforts resulting in stability in both its domestic and external affairs, and for its contribution to the consolidation of regional peace. He noted:

(1) Tanzania is one of the most important recipient countries of Japan’s developmental assistance, and Japan will continue to assist Tanzania. It is expected that Japan’s debt cancellation to the tune of 64 billion yen, the “Poverty Reduction Strategy Credit IV” and the “Arusha-Namanga-Athi River Road Development Project” will contribute to Tanzania’s further development.

(2) The Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) will be held in Yokohama next year, and we are grateful for the confirmation that H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of Tanzania, will participate.

In response, Mr. Membe expressed gratitude for the invitation to visit Japan and for Japan’s continued and meaningful assistance, adding that President Kikwete plans definitely to participate in the TICAD IV.

On the reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), both countries agreed on the necessity of early reform, and the Japanese side expressed its anticipation for African efforts in this regard. Mr. Membe expressed Tanzania’s support for Japan in the 2008 elections of UNSC non-permanent members. Mr. Aso requested Tanzania’s support for the Japanese candidate (Prof. Kensaku Tamaki, Professor of the University of Tokyo) in the election for the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf in June 2007, and for Japan’s candidate for a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council at election to be held in 2008. Mr. Membe gave assurance of Tanzania’s support for Japan in both elections.

On North Korea, Mr. Aso emphasized the importance of an early resolution of various issues, not least the nuclear and abduction issues, and sought Tanzania’s cooperation.

At the dinner held after the meeting, both ministers exchanged views in a very friendly atmosphere on a wide range of issues such as the stability of Tanzanian politics, and the high efficacy of Japan’s economic assistance.

(END)

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