Press Releases
Japan-Djibouti Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Working Lunch
August 30, 2018



On August 30, commencing at around 11:30 a.m. for approximately 70 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a Foreign Ministers’ meeting and working lunch with H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Djibouti, who was making a working visit to Japan upon invitation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The overview is as follows.
- Minister Kono welcomed Minister Youssouf’s visit to Japan for the first time in 5 years after TICAD V. Mentioning that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relation between Japan and Djibouti, Minister Kono expressed that Djibouti is an important partner for Japan to implement Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy. In response, Minister Youssouf expressed gratitude for Japan’s contribution to the development of Africa, including Djibouti, and to the peace and stability of the international community. Minister Youssouf also expressed to enhance the cordial relationship between two countries on the occasion of the 40th anniversary. The two Ministers confirmed their collaboration for the success of the TICAD ministerial meeting which will be held in 2018 as well as TICAD7 in 2019.
- In addition, the two Ministers shared the intention to collaborate to advance the reform of the United Nations Security Council. They also exchanged views on the regional situation including North Korea and cooperation in the international arena.
- At the joint press occasion, the two Ministers exchanged diplomatic notes on “the Economic and Social Development Programme” for granting equipment for road maintenance. Minister Youssouf stated that Japan and Djibouti are in strategically important relationship and Djibouti contributes to regional peace and stability through hosting the Japan Self Defense Force base. He also expressed that Djibouti has supported Japan in international area and supports Japan's permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council.
- Following the meeting, Japan-Djibouti Foreign Ministers’ Joint Press Statement (Japanese (PDF)
/French (PDF)
) was issued.