Japan-Burkina Faso Relations
Japan-Burkina Faso Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
August 31, 2019
On August 31, for about 20 minutes commencing at 9:40 a.m., Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a Foreign Ministers’ meeting with H.E. Mr. Alpha Barry, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Burkina Faso. The overview of the meeting is as follows. Mr. Barry, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, participated in the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) which was held from August 28 to 30.
- At the outset, Minister Kono stated, “I welcome our reunion since last November. The Government of Japan condemns the recent terrorist attack, leaving many casualties, and wishes to convey our sympathy and solidarity with the people of Burkina Faso. Japan will support the efforts of Burkina Faso in the fight against terrorism.” In response, Minister Barry stated, “I am grateful for the warm welcome. I offer my congratulations for the success of TICAD7.” Minister Barry welcomed the holding of the Special Conference on Peace and Stability of the Sahel Region, which was held on the sidelines of TICAD7, and the meaningful discussion that took place.
- Following that, Minister Kono stated that the future of the Sahel region rests on the shoulder of Burkina Faso, the Chair of the G5 Sahel, and that Japan hopes to contribute to peace and stability of the region. Minister Kono also expressed Japan’s intention to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as strengthening of security measures, food security, and education. In response, Minister Barry expressed gratitude for the support from Japan, and, referring to the situation of internally displaced persons and refugees in Burkina Faso, expressed hope for Japan’s continued support in areas such as agriculture, education, and infrastructure development. Minister Barry also expressed hope for further investment from Japan. Minister Barry welcomed the New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa (NAPSA) announced by Prime Minister Abe in TICAD7. The two ministers agreed to work closely together to strengthen bilateral ties.
- The two ministers also exchanged views regarding cooperation in the international arena, including UN Security Council reform.