Japan-France Foreign Ministers' Telephone Talks

January 24, 2013
Japanese

On January 24, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, had telephone talks with H.E. Mr. Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, at the request of the French side, for about 15 minutes from 7:00 p.m. (Japan Time) focusing on the situation in Mali. The overview of the talks is as follows.

At the start of the talks, Minister Fabius expressed condolences for the Japanese victims and his feeling of solidarity with Japan following the deaths of Japanese hostages in the terrorism incident in Algeria. Minister Kishida resolutely condemned the despicable act of terrorism, and expressed condolences for the French hostage who perished as well. The two ministers shared the view that they would continue to closely cooperate on this issue.
Minister Fabius explained the situation in Mali and the activities of the French armed forces there. Minister Kishida stated that he was deeply concerned about the recent situation in Mali. He also said that there was a need for the international community to act as one in the fight against terrorism and welcomed the support that the French armed forces were offering the military of Mali in that fight. Furthermore, noting the strong interest Japan had in the stability of the Sahel region, Minister Kishida expressed Japan’s expectations for the early and effective start of the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA).
Minister Fabius requested the participation and cooperation of Japan related to the Donors’ Conference to be held for AFISMA in Addis Ababa on January 29. Minister Kishida responded that Mr. Masaji Matsuyama, Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, was scheduled to be dispatched. He also explained the state of discussion toward the conference. The two ministers shared the view that they would continue cooperation toward the success of the conference.

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