Japan-Uganda Relations
Japan-Uganda Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Working Lunch
August 2, 2023
On August 2, from 11:00 a.m. local time (5: 00 p.m. JST), Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during his visit to Uganda, held a foreign ministers' meeting (for approximately 60 minutes) and a working lunch (for approximately 70 minutes) with Hon. Gen. ODONGO Jeje Abubakhar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi stated that he was pleased to visit Uganda for the first time as a Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs. He also stated that he would like to further strengthen bilateral relations with Uganda through this visit. In response, Minister Odongo welcomed Minister Hayashi’s visit to Uganda and stated that this visit would elevate their bilateral relationships to a higher level and expressed his desire to further strengthen good relationships with Japan.
- Minister Hayashi mentioned that the Ugandan Parliament passed the resolution expressing gratitude for JICA's support for the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV), which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2021. He introduced the vocational training including ICT as part of the "investment in people" announced at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 8). Minister Odongo expressed his gratitude once again for the support provided by Japan. Minister Hayashi also stated that he would like to strengthen bilateral cooperation to promote investment in Uganda, whose start-ups are attracting attention. In response, Minister Odongo welcomed further support and investment from Japan and expressed his desire to continue to cooperate closely with Japan. The two ministers also affirmed that they would strengthen cooperation for assistance to refugees as the co-hosting countries of the 2nd Global Refugee Forum to be held in December this year.
- Minister Odongo explained the African leaders’ mission for peace in Ukraine. Minister Hayashi stated that he appreciates Uganda's efforts, and that it is important to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible. The two Ministers affirmed that they would cooperate to maintain the international order. In addition, Minister Odongo explained the results of the Russian-Africa summit on July 27 and 28 and shared Uganda’s position that the Black Sea Grain Initiative is important for Africa and Uganda asked Russia to reconsider its position. Minister Hayashi stated that Japan deplores that the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) was terminated by Russia’s refusal, and has a hope to work together towards the resumption of the initiative. The two ministers affirmed the need for both countries to cooperate to ensure food security in Africa.
- The two Ministers also exchanged views on such issues as the situation in Africa, including the situation in Niger and the situation in the eastern part of the DRC, and regional situation in East Asia, including responses to North Korea on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue. They also discussed responses to various issues in the international community, including uncertain and unfair development finance, the risk on economic security, nuclear disarmament and strengthening of the functions of the United Nations including Security Council reform. The two ministers affirmed that they would continue to work closely together.