Africa

   In Africa, a sharp appreciation in the price of crude oil around the globe resulted in dramatic growth in oil-producing nations, and the economy of the region experienced steady growth as a whole. However, again in 2006 Africa's central political and diplomatic issues were the resolution of conflicts and the consolidation of peace. Some countries demonstrated steady movement towards peace and stability, as demonstrated in the holding of democratic elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the achieving of historical cease-fire agreements in Burundi and Uganda. Yet, situations of great concern were also in evidence, including the deteriorating internal security in the Darfur region of Sudan and political turmoil in Somalia. Attempts in Africa at regional cooperation and integration are ongoing, with these attempts centering on those countries that have maintained political stability and economic growth and steadily fostered development.

   Japanese diplomacy towards Africa is grounded in three principles, namely: (i) making appropriate contributions to the solution of global issues that are concentrated in Africa as a responsible member of the international community; (ii) strengthening diplomatic foundations through the enhancement of relationships with these 53 countries of Africa, which comprise approximately 30% of the United Nations member states; (iii) pursuing with Africa, which is both a source of tremendous natural resources and a potential market, the possibility of development of medium- and long-term economic relations. In order to promote such principles, Japan views the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) process, launched in 1993, as the cornerstone of its assistance to Africa, and it is engaged in the steady implementation of this TICAD process as it prepares for the fourth TICAD (TICAD IV), which will be held in 2008.