Japan-Djibouti Relations

On August 25, commencing at 11:45 a.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Maputo (the Republic of Mozambique) to attend the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting met with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Djibouti. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. At the beginning, Minister Kono expressed the view that realizing the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy” announced by Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, on the occasion of TICAD VI, is extremely important for the prosperity of both countries and the international community.
2. Minister Youssouf congratulated Minister Kono on his appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs, and highly appreciated the TICAD process, mentioning his continuous involvement in the TICAD process from TICAD I in 1993.
3. Furthermore, Minister Youssouf expressed the view that the bilateral relationship is truly favorable, citing Djibouti hosting a Japan Self-Defense Force base for anti-piracy activities.
4. Minister Kono expressed expectation that improving Djibouti’s maritime security capabilities will lead to regional peace and stability, and stated that Japan will continue to cooperate in the future.
5. In addition to this, the two foreign ministers exchanged views on cooperating in the international arena, including United Nations Security Council reform, maritime security and the North Korea issue.