Japan-Republic of Congo Relations

On August 28, for about 20 minutes, commencing at 4:40 p.m., in Yokohama, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a Foreign Ministers’ meeting with H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Gakosso, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Congolese Abroad of the Republic of Congo. The overview of the meeting is as follows. Minister Gakosso is visiting Japan to attend The Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) held from August 28 to 30. 

1. At the outset, Minister Kono stated, “I welcome Minister Gakosso’s first visit to Japan. Last summer, Japan-African Union Parliamentary Friendship League members visited the Republic of Congo. Last autumn, Mr. Gilbert Ondongo, Minister of State for the Economy, Industry and Public Finances, took part in the TICAD Ministerial Meeting that I hosted and had a bilateral meeting. I would like to make the seventh TICAD successful working together with Minister Gakosso and further strengthen ties between the two countries. 
   
   In response, Minister Gakosso stated, “I am honored to be able to visit Japan for the first time and attend the seventh TICAD, and would like to show my respect to the leadership of Japan. Also, I appreciate your hospitality.” Following that, Minister Gakosso offered his congratulations on His Majesty the Emperor’s enthronement. 
    
2. Minister Kono stated that Japan would like to support the development of the Republic of Congo as a reliable partner, and sought cooperation from Minister Gakosso to promote the business relationship between the two countries. Minister Gakosso expressed his gratitude to Japan’s cooperation to improve agricultural productivity and showed his intention to further deepen cooperation with Japan, including cultural exchanges, taking advantage of a significant potential in the relationship of the two countries. 
    
3. The two ministers also exchanged views regarding cooperation in the international arena, including UN Security Council reform, and the North Korea situation.