Japan-Mali Relations

On August 28, for about 15 minutes from 5:25 p.m., Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, President of the Republic of Mali, in Yokoyama, Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows. President Keita is visiting Japan to participate in the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) held from August 28 to 30.

1. At the outset, Prime Minister Abe stated, “We welcome Your Excellency’s first visit to Japan as the president. The world is concerned with difficulties that the Sahel region is facing. We would like to support Your Excellency’s efforts for peace and stability. We understand the difficulty to govern a vast country and believe the key is to develop the administrative system to protect the life and safety of people across the country.” In response, President Keita stated, “I appreciate your warm welcome. This is my second visit to Japan and the first as the president. Mali faces many challenges, and my hope is to improve the life of the people.” Then, President Keita expressed his gratitude for Japan’s assistance. 
2. Following that, Prime Minister Abe mentioned his desire to support the G5 Sahel’s efforts to realize peace and stability in Mali and the Sahel region through providing support for the School of Peacekeeping Alioune Blondin Beye (EMPABB) in Mali. Moreover, Prime Minister Abe expressed Japan’s intention to support in improving prison and judicial system as well as food security. In response, President Keita stated that the integration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was progressing, and human resources development was essential for the development of Mali. President Keita also expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support in the field of public safety including assistance to Peacekeeping Training Centers in Africa.
3. The two leaders also exchanged views regarding cooperation in the international arena, including UN Security Council reform, and the North Korea situation.