Statement by the Press Secretary/ Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Inauguration of Mr. Muammar Abu Minyar al-Qadhafi, Leader of Libya, as Chairperson of the African Union (AU)

February 6, 2009

Japan congratulates Mr. Muammar Abu Minyar al-Qadhafi, Leader of Libya, on his inauguration as chairperson of the African Union (AU), which was announced at the 12th AU Summit held from February 1 (Sun) to 4 (Wed). Japan expects that Libya, as the chair country of the AU, will exert stronger leadership for the peace and prosperity of Africa.
Japan intends to further deepen the cooperative relationship with the AU and actively supports economic growth, development, and peace consolidation in Africa, taking various opportunities including the TICAD Ministerial Follow-up Meeting scheduled for next March in Botswana.

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