Japan-Togo Relations

On August 28, commencing at 6:03 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, President of the Republic of Togo, in Yokohama, Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows. President Gnassingbe 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, "I welcome Your Excellency's first visit to Japan since TICADV. Your Excellency has participated in TICADV, TICADVI and TICAD7. I also greatly appreciate Your Excellency's visit to Wataricho in Miyagi prefecture right after the Great East Japan Earthquake. I myself visited Wataricho after the Earthquake." In response, President Gnassingbe stated, "I thank Prime Minister Abe for the warm welcoming. I have just revisited Wataricho and was impressed to see the significant recovery over the past eight years." Prime Minister Abe also expressed hope for the participation of President Gnassingbe to the forthcoming Imperial Enthronement Ceremony to be held in October. President Gnassingbe responded, "I would be pleased to participate in it."
2. Following that, Prime Minister Abe expressed his expectation for the peaceful implementation of the presidential election in Togo scheduled for next year. Prime Minister Abe also announced his intention to cooperate in Togo’s corridor development centered on Port Lome and the quality infrastructure development as well as to provide support for improving food security. In response, President Gnassingbe expressed gratitude to Japan’s assistance over decades, and revealed his expectation to make a good example from Togo as a potential pilot state for infrastructure development, and sought cooperation in the field of fiscal soundness and food safety.” 
3. The two leaders also exchanged views regarding cooperation in the international arena, including UN Security Council reform, and the North Korea situation.