Press Releases
H.E. Mr. Masahisa SATO, State Minister for Foreign Affairs’ visit to Kenya
On November 26, H.E. Mr. Masahisa SATO, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan visited Nairobi, Kenya to attend the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference which was co-hosted by Kenya, Japan and Canada. The details of his visit are as follows;
1. Participation in the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference
State Minister SATO delivered his speech at the Leaders Commitment Segment of the Conference where he stressed the importance of rule-based free and open maritime order and transport infrastructure to strengthen connectivity for Africa and beyond to further advance the Blue Economy.
2. Courtesy call on H.E. Ms. Monica Juma, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs
Minister SATO extended his gratitude to the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs for the invitation to the Conference and told her that Japan is happy to cooperate by co-hosting the Conference as the vision of the Blue Economy matches the concept of promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific (PDF)
which Japan has been advocating. State Minister SATO expressed that Japan and Kenya share in common the values such as democracy, free trade and rule of law and Japan regards Kenya as an important partner to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific. State Minister SATO added that Japan places importance on the development of Mombasa area, as the development of East Africa northern corridor would strengthen the connectivity for Africa and beyond, and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Cabinet Secretary responded that it was significant for Japan to become the co-host of the Conference, and it has further strengthened the mutual trust between the two countries. The Cabinet Secretary also added that Kenya hopes to continue its cooperation with Japan on infrastructure projects including the development of Mombasa area and to expand its cooperation in other fields as well.
In addition, both confirmed to work together toward TICAD 7, and exchanged views on various regional and global issues.
[Reference 1] The Sustainable Blue Economy Conference was held on the Ministerial level to discuss the sustainable development and its effective use of seas, oceans, rivers, lakes and every type of waters, which are deemed common asset of mankind.
[Reference 2] H.E. Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya, H.E. Mr. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, H.E. Mr. Fillpe Jacinto Nyusi of Mozambique, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo of Somalia and other dignitaries were present at the Leaders Commitment Segment of the Conference.