Japan-Ethiopia Relations

On August 27, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is visiting the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, held a Japan-Ethiopia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu Negewo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. At the beginning, Minister Kono stated that he is happy to be able to visit Ethiopia and meet Minister Workneh immediately after being appointed as Minister for Foreign Affairs, and he intends to aim to further develop the relationship between the two countries. Minister Kono then explained that the TICAD Ministerial Meeting was able to be held successfully. Minister Workneh replied that a long history exists between Ethiopia and Japan and they maintain a solid relationship, and he hopes to strengthen this further. Minister Workneh also expressed expectation toward the TICAD process.
2. Furthermore, Minister Kono explained that Japanese companies’ interest in Ethiopia is growing, and he hopes to hold constructive and vigorous negotiations with the goal of promptly concluding negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty between Japan and Ethiopia. In response, Minister Workneh stated that Ethiopia hopes to attract more investment from Japan in the future also, expressed gratitude for Japan’s cooperation with Ethiopia thus far, and requested continued support in fields such as infrastructure.  
3. In addition to this, Minister Kono and Minister Workneh exchanged views on regional affairs such as South Sudan and North Korea, and cooperation in the international arena.