(Provisional Translation)
Message from the Prime Minister of Japan
H.E. Mr. Junichiro Koizumi
on the Occasion of the Third Summit of the African Union
July 6, 2004
Excellencies,
Heads of State and Government and Heads of Delegations of the AU Member States,
Your Excellency, Alpha Oumar KONARE, Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union
I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations on the convening of the Third African Union (AU) Summit, and to express my heartfelt respect for the significant achievements of the AU in advancing peace and prosperity in Africa. Those achievements include the dispatch of the African Mission in Burundi (AMIB), and the establishment of the Peace and Security Council, as well as the Pan-African Parliament, which were all achieved in a brief period of time. I understand this Summit is of utmost importance for the AU as it will initiate its medium to long-term strategies. I wish you every success in this important endeavour.
"Unless problems in Africa are resolved, there will be no stability and prosperity in the world in the 21st century." Based on this conviction, the Japanese government inaugurated the process of the "Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD)" in 1993, and co-organized TICAD III in Tokyo last Fall. Japan, through the TICAD process, will continue supporting Africa in demonstrating its ownership through AU and NEPAD initiatives. Japan's TICAD process emphasizes the following three pillars:
First, "Consolidation of Peace" is a prerequisite for development. As the AU is now actively engaging in more peace-related activities than ever, there is a distinct opportunity to realize peace on the African continent. Japan will continue to support these African efforts. For example, Japan has already shouldered approximately 20% of the total cost for UN PKO activities in Africa. Japan will continue to assist Africa's efforts for consolidating peace, such as DDR and landmine clearance activities, in various regions of Africa.
Second, Japan has learned the importance of "Poverty Reduction through Economic Growth" through its own experience in development assistance in Asia. Japan supports Africa in strengthening its ownership to achieve sustainable economic development by promoting trade and investment. For instance, Japan will host the "TICAD Asia-Africa Trade and Investment Conference" in Tokyo this Fall. The conference aims to share Asian experiences and expertise for African development through trade and investment.
Third, "Human-centered Development" is a vital agenda for Africa. In particular, it is urgent for Africa to ensure human security with regard to the protection and empowerment of each individual. In this context, the Japanese government has been steadily fulfilling its commitment to providing grant aid assistance totaling US$1 billion, which I announced at TICAD III, in areas such as education, health and medical care, water and food aid.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere wish for the success of this Summit, for the continuation of the close relationship between Japan and Africa and for the good health of all of you.
Junichiro Koizumi
Prime Minister of Japan
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