Press Releases

1. Minister Kishida expressed his condolences for casualties of people of Ethiopia during the current disturbance in South Sudan. He also reiterated that Japan strongly called on all relevant parties to stop the violence and to resolve situation through dialogue, and conveyed his message that Japan supported efforts made by African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) as well as efforts made by Minister Tedros who had visited Juba as the Foreign Minister of the Current Chair of both AU and IGAD and the head of the IGAD Ministerial Mission.

2. Further, Minister Kishida stated that in accordance with a view that peace and stability of South Sudan is a key for peace and stability of Africa as whole, Japan supported its nation-building through the dispatch of contingents of Japan Self Defense Force to the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) and economic cooperation since its independence. Also, he shared his view that Japan conducted assistance operation by Japan Self Defense Force in cooperation with related countries and international organization including UN and AU, and continuously took necessary measures for stability of South Sudan.

3. In response, Minister Tedros expressed that he deeply appreciated Japan’s involvement in South Sudan and its neighboring region. He also stated that South Sudan is a matter of concern, and AU, IGAD, and UN had been working toward immediate cession of the violence and immediate start of dialogue. He also stated that South Sudan had won its independence after decades of conflicts, and it is necessary for South Sudan to avoid further conflicts and casualties.

4. Minister Kisyida and Minister Tedros affirmed their intention to work together toward the stabilization of South Sudan.