Japan-Republic of South Africa Relations
Japan-South Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
July 8, 2022
On July 8, commencing at 1:40 p.m. (local time) for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Indonesia for the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, held a foreign ministers’ meeting with Hon. Dr. Naledi PANDOR, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi expressed his hope to further strengthen a steadfast relationship with South Africa, a key partner for Japan in the international community. In response, Minister Pandor expressed her hope to cooperate for strengthening the relationship between Japan and Africa noting that Japan is a strong partner for South Africa. Minister Pandor expressed her concern about the news of gunshot attack on the former Prime Minister Abe, who has been contributing to the strengthening of the relationship between Japan and Africa including South Africa, extending her sincere wishes for his recovery. In response, Minister Hayashi conveyed his gratitude.
- Minister Hayashi stated that Japan would focus on green business among others in TICAD 8 and has strong interest in potential cooperation with South Africa in the clean energy sector, including hydrogen. In response, Minister Pandor expressed her hope on a growing bilateral cooperation in the area of science and technology, including clean energy such as hydrogen, mentioning the important role played by Japanese companies in South Africa’s economic development. The Ministers also exchanged views on the importance of fair and transparent development finance in Africa.
- Minister Hayashi expressed concern over the pain inflicted on Africa as a result of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Pointing out that Russia is causing the global crisis by inflicting damage to Ukraine’s agriculture and hindering grain exports. In response, Minister Pandor emphasized the importance of early settlement of the conflict so as to ensure that the situation in Ukraine wouldn’t lead to exacerbating a food crisis and political instability in Africa and the world.
- The Ministers also exchanged views on regional affairs in East Asia, including response to North Korea’s nuclear, missile and abduction issues, as well as strengthening the functions of the United Nations as a whole including Security Council reform. The Ministers concurred to continue working closely together to address these issues.