Press Releases
Japan-Egypt Foreign Minister’s Working Lunch
On November 26, commencing at 1:25 p.m. for approximately 90 minutes, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a working lunch with His Excellency Mr. Sameh Shoukry, Foreign Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The overview is as follows.
1. Minister Kishida made the following remarks on the situation in Egypt and Japan-Egypt relations.
(1) The Minister expressed his hope that through the implementation of parliamentary elections, which is the final stage of the roadmap for the political transition, the parliament will be established and the transition process is successfully completed.
(2) The Minister strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Egypt and the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, declaring that counter-terrorism is an issue for the entire international community, and that he hopes to cooperate on concrete counter-terrorism measures with Egypt, which is on the frontline of the fight against terrorism.
(3) The Minister stated that Japan will continue to actively cooperate with Egypt in the public and private sectors for the stability of its economy and society, and that he hopes to realize projects involving Japanese companies, including ODA, in fields such as electric power, energy, transportation and medicare. As part of this, he explained that Japan intends to extend a new yen loan for the Hurghada solar power project.
(4) The Minister stated that he is delighted that Japan will be working alongside Egypt next year as non-permanent members of the Security Council, and he hopes to cooperate closely.
2. In response, Minister Shoukry mentioned that Egypt’s democratization process is progressing steadily, and that Egypt intends to cooperate with Japan and all countries in its fight against terrorism on the frontline. The Minister explained that Egypt is carrying out various reforms to improve its economic situation and implementing national projects, for which he expects further investment from Japan. He also thanked Minister Kishida for the announcement of new economic assistance and also for the assistance that Japan has provided to Egypt over many years, including for the Grand Egyptian Museum.
3. Both ministers confirmed the importance of unity in the international community for counter-terrorism taking into accounts the recent developments including Turkey-Russia relations. They also exchanged views on the regional situation, including on ISIL, Syria, Iran, and the Middle East peace process.