Japan-Tunisia Relations
Meeting between Foreign Minister MOTEGI and H.E. Mr. Ali NAFTI, Secretary of State of the Republic of Tunisia
December 9, 2020
On December 9th, commencing at 10:38 AM (local time, 6:38 PM Japan time) for approximately 50 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Ali NAFTI, Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, followed by a working luncheon, during his visit to Tunisia. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister MOTEGI stated that he feels deeply about visiting Tunisia on his first tour to Africa as Foreign Minister, and after 15 years since his last visit to Tunisia. In response, Secretary Nafti welcomed Minister MOTEGI’s visit, stating that he would like to further develop partnership with Japan, a traditionally friendly country.
- Minister MOTEGI stated that the cooperation between Japan and Tunisia has developed in various fields through frequent exchanges of high-level officials and dialogues. He also stated that he would like to deepen the bilateral ties, including economic relationship, toward TICAD 8, which will be held in Tunisia in 2022. In response, Secretary Nafti expressed his appreciation for Japan’s cooperation for the development of Tunisia, as well as his expectation for advancement of economic and business relations among others in light of TICAD 8.
- Minister MOTEGI asked for full support for TICAD 8 from the government of Tunisia, which is crucial for its success. They shared the view to work on important issues such as medical and health systems and promotion of business relations, and to closely cooperate for the success of TICAD 8. In addition, Minister MOTEGI stressed the importance of “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and Minister Nafti stated that he shares the importance of the concept.
- They also exchanged views on the regional situations, including Libya, Middle East Peace Process, North Korea and East China Sea and South China Sea, and agreed to reinforce the coordination between the two countries. Minister MOTEGI asked for understanding and cooperation for the early resolution of the abductions issue and gained the support of Secretary Nafti.