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Visit by H.E. Keitaro Sato, Ambassador in Charge of Conflict and Refugee-related Issues in Africa to Africa and Europe

- Republic of Rwanda, Republic of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Swiss Confederation, Kingdom of Belgium, French Republic -

(Summary and Evaluation)

March 2004

1. Summary

From February 19 to March 10, H.E. Keitaro Sato, Ambassador in Charge of Conflict and Refugee-related Issues in Africa, visited African countries (Republic of Rwanda, Republic of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia) and European countries (Swiss Confederation, Kingdom of Belgium and French Republic) for the purposes including promotion of efforts for consolidation of peace in each of the African countries, which was identified as a priority policy area at the Third Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD III) held in last October. The following are the results of the main meetings.

2. Meetings

(1) Republic of Rwanda

At the meeting with President Paul Kagame of the Republic of Rwanda, Ambassador Sato praised the progress of national reconciliation and national reconstruction in Rwanda, and expressed his expectation for further efforts by Rwanda for peace and stability of the region. In response, President Kagame gave an explanation on the issues of Rwanda's domestic affairs and foreign diplomacy, and while expressing his sincere gratitude for the cooperation Japan is providing such as ones through international organizations, stated his wish to further enhance friendly relations with Japan.

(2) Republic of Burundi

At the meeting with President Domitien Ndayizeye of the Republic of Burundi, Ambassador Sato welcomed the efforts made by the government of Burundi for the advancing peace and requested the realization of a comprehensive peace and facilitation of consolidation of peace. In response, President Ndayizeye noted that although the situation is improving, various assistance from foreign countries would be necessary for the consolidation of peace in Burundi, and requested cooperation from Japan in this regard.

(3) Democratic Republic of Congo

Ambassador Sato praised the efforts made by the transitional administration which was established last year, and stated his expectation for its continued efforts towards the consolidation of peace. Vice-President Azarias Ruberwa of the Democratic Republic of Congo replied that although the transitional administration is faced with many problems, it will continue with its efforts. Furthermore, he asked for cooperation from Japan on the consolidation of peace and national reconstruction of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition, Vice-President Ruberwa explained that the presidential election scheduled for June 2005 is the most significant agenda for the transitional administration, and requested the assistance of Japan in its implementation.

(4) Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

(a) Prime Minister Meles Zenawi

Ambassador Sato and Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia concurred in their views on the importance of peace as a premise for development including a peaceful resolution of the Ethiopia-Eritrea border conflict. At the same time, Prime Minister Meles highly evaluated the TICAD process, and indicating his wish for it to become a sustainable process, expressed his expectations of the role of Japan in the area of Asia-Africa cooperation.

(b) Chairman Alpha Omar Konare of the African Union (AU) Commission

Ambassador Sato and Chairman Alpha Omar Konare of the African Union (AU) Commission exchanged a broad range of opinions concerning the future activities of the AU and on the regional situation, and shared the view that the Japan-AU relations should be strengthened in a concrete manner. Chairman Konare highly evaluated the TICAD process which has proved an inspiration for other Africa-related forums Ambassador Sato also held talks with Ambassador Said Djinnit, the Commissioner in Charge of Peace and Security.

(5) Kingdom of Belgium, French Republic

Ambassador Sato exchanged opinions on a broad range of issues concerning Africa with the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, the Office of the French President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of French Republic, and shared the view on the importance of assistance to Africa through cooperative relations between Japan and these countries.

3. Field trips, etc.

(1) In Rwanda, Ambassador Sato visited the food storage of the World Food Programme (WFP) to which Japan is providing financial cooperation; and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the logistics base for the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), a UN peacekeeping operation (PKO) to which Japan is providing approximately 20% of expenses as Japan's assessed contribution to the UN.

(2) In Geneva, Ambassador Sato attended the "Dialogue on Voluntary Repatriation and Sustainable Reintegration in Africa" hosted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as the representative of Japan, and announced the policies of Japan on its efforts for consolidation of peace in Africa and the assistance it is providing, especially on those for refugees and returnees. These policies received high evaluations at the meeting.

4. Evaluation

(1) Ambassador Sato gained a first-hand understanding of the situation in the Great Lakes region (Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo) and the Horn of Africa which are especially in need for consolidation of peace, and impressed upon high-level government officials Japan's policy stance that places emphasis on peace.

(2) Japan successfully forged relations with AU, which is increasingly important in peace and security area, at high level, and agreed with the side on the direction of their cooperative relations down the road.

(3) Japan's policy stance which places emphasis on peace was effectively conveyed to the public through the local African press.

(4) Opportunity was created for Japan to have cooperative relations with European countries on measures concerning consolidation of peace in Africa.