Japan-Republic of Congo Relations
Japan- Republic of Congo Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
August 26, 2022
On August 26, commencing at 3:35p.m. (local time; same day, 11:35p.m. JST) for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan who is visiting Tunisia to attend the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 8), held a Foreign Ministers’ meeting with H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude GAKOSSO, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Congolese Abroad of the Republic of Congo. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi expressed his gratitude to Minister Gakosso for his participation to TICAD 8. Minister Hayashi also appreciated efforts deployed by the Republic of Congo, as an OPEC member country, to stabilize the international crude oil market and requested its continued cooperation to stabilize the afore-mentioned market and further increase production. In response, Minister Gakosso expressed his condolences to former Prime Minister Abe, and Minister Hayashi expressed his gratitude. Minister Gakosso then, recognizing Japan's actions through TICAD to date, expressed his appreciation for Japan's extensive support, including provision of COVID-19 vaccines. Both sides confirmed to work for further development of bilateral relations.
- Minister Hayashi then stated that it is essential for the international community to cooperate in its response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and that Japan intends to continue contributing to strengthening food security in Africa. Minister Gakosso stated that he appreciates the support from Japan and that Japan's contribution to the international arena remains important. Minister Hayashi also raised the importance of transparency and fairness of development finance and the two sides confirmed to cooperate with each other.
- Furthermore, the two sides shared the view to continue to work together in responding to regional and international issues, such as North Korea, including on the nuclear, missile, and abductions issues, disarmament and non-proliferation, including cooperation in maintaining and strengthening the NPT regime, and strengthening of the functions of the United Nations as a whole, including the Security Council reform.