Press Releases
Foreign Minister Hayashi’s Video Conference with Hon. Ambassador Yattani,
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Planning
March 24, 2022
On March 24, commencing at 7 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a video conference with Hon. Ukur Yattani Kanacho, Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury and Planning, the Republic of Kenya. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister HAYASHI expressed his hope to make TICAD 8 to be held in this August an opportunity to set out a pathway for African development, looking ahead to the post-COVID-19 era. In response, Cabinet Secretary Yattani mentioned that Japan is an important partner for Kenya and Kenya wishes to enhance cooperation with Japan through TICAD.
- Minister HAYASHI stated that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is totally unacceptable, noting that the aggression infringes upon Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and constitutes a serious violation of international law prohibiting the use of force. He further mentioned that Japan strongly condemns Russia for its attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force that shakes the very foundations of international order. Also, Minister HAYASHI emphasized the importance of the adoption of the resolution “Humanitarian consequences of the aggression against Ukraine” at the UN General Assembly, and the two sides confirmed that they would closely collaborate on this matter. Furthermore, Minister HAYASHI also referred to the impact of the current situation in Ukraine on the global supply chain, and the two sides exchanged their views on further responses on this matter. In addition, Minister HAYASHI emphasized the importance of transparency and fairness of development finance, and also expressed his hope to work together for the United Nations Security Council reform with Kenya, which is serving as a non-permanent member of the Council. The ministers confirmed their continued cooperation.
- Minister HAYASHI said that as Kenya is the gateway which connects Japan and Africa, Japan hopes to continue the cooperation with Kenya to promote a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, and the two sides concurred in continuing their close cooperation to strengthen business relations between Japan and Africa, following the discussions at TICAD Ministerial Meeting. In addition, the two sides exchanged their views on the issues regarding North Korea, including nuclear missile development and the abductions issue, and then confirmed to continue their close collaboration on those matters as well.