Press Conferences

Mr. Takeshi Osuga, Press Secretary: The theme of TICAD 7 which will be held from August 28-30, 2019 has been decided to be “Advancing Africa's Development through People, Technology and Innovation.”

Under this theme that matches Japan's strengths including human resource development, science and technology as well as innovation, we expect that there will be active discussions towards TICAD 7 as well as at TICAD 7 itself regarding ways to strongly boost Africa’s development.

Press Secretary Osuga: An international cooperation event Global Festa JAPAN 2019 will be held again this year on September 28 and 29 in Odaiba, Tokyo, co-organized by MOFA. We have opened submission of works to be displayed at the MOFA photography exhibition “Eeru Yo Todoke! (May my cheers reach you!) ”, which will be held at the event.

Please access the dedicated submission website and submit photographs that show a scene of international cooperation under the keyword of “cheering.” The Global Festa JAPAN 2019 Executive Committee will carefully select about 100 works to be displayed at the event venue.

Among the displayed photographs, particularly excellent works will be awarded prizes at the venue, and a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera will be given by a sponsoring company as an extra prize. Submissions are accepted until August 31, 5 p.m., so please search “photography exhibition” on the MOFA website. We hope to receive your submissions.

Asahi Shimbun, Kiyomiya: Chairman Dunford of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States is speaking about forming a coalition of like-minded members regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Has the U.S. already sounded out Japan’s views about this? Also, how will MOFA react to this?

Press Secretary Osuga: We are seriously concerned about the rising tensions in the Middle East. In particular, ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is of vital importance to the energy security of Japan, and it is also extremely important for the peace and stability of the international community including Japan. Japan plans to continue its diplomatic efforts toward easing tensions and stabilizing the situation in the Middle East while cooperating with related countries including the United States. However, I would like to refrain from commenting on the report you mentioned.