Statement by Mr Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan on the Agreement on the Principles of Partnership of the Coalition Government in Kenya

February 29, 2008

Japan welcomes that President Mwai Kibaki and Honorable Raila Odinga signed the Agreement on the Principles of Partnership of the Coalition Government on February 28, and would like to extend its congratulations to the people of Kenya. I would like to highly commend former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan, and his Panel of Eminent African Personalities for their devoted and tireless mediation efforts, and Chairman of the African Union and President of Tanzania, Mr. Jakaya Kikwete, who also played a significant role in achieving this agreement.
Japan strongly hopes that both parties will steadily implement the agreement, which is an important milestone in resolving the political crisis, and they will continue their efforts in resolving the remaining long-term issues.
Japan wishes to continue providing support to Kenya in its effort to restore political stability, and to assume its respected role in making contributions toward peace and prosperity of Africa, as expected by the international community.

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