The Fourth TICAD Ministerial Follow-up Meeting:
A Starting Point for the Process Leading Up to TICAD V

On May 5-6, the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Follow-up Meeting was held in Marrakech, the Kingdom of Morocco, attended by some 470 people, including delegations and representatives from 78 countries, 31 international and regional organizations, and civil society and private sector organizations. Japan was represented by H.E. Mr. Koichiro Gemba, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who co-chaired the meeting with H.E. Dr. Saad Dine El Otmani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco. The topics included the Status of Implementation of the Yokohama Action Plan (YAP), Africa's Current Economic Growth and Underlying Challenges, Achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Africa and beyond 2015 (Post MDGs), and Addressing Domestic as well as Cross-Border Challenges (Consolidation of Peace and Good Governance, and Climate Change). The meeting closed with the adoption of a communiqué.

In the session on the Status of Implementation of YAP, Minister Gemba stated that Japan, while making efforts to recover from the earthquake disaster, is faithfully implementing the pledges it made in YAP. The statement drew commendation from delegations and representatives from many countries. Minister Gemba stressed the importance of achieving more inclusive and sustainable growth and building resilient societies in Africa, with renewed emphasis on boosting economic growth. In the session on Africa's Current Economic Growth and Underlying Challenges, Minister Gemba stated that the private sector should play a central role in promoting further growth of the African economy. He also said that a comprehensive approach in the agricultural sector is necessary for food security in the continent. In the session on Climate Change, Minister Gemba presented an interim progress report on the formulation of an African Green Growth Strategy. He expressed his determination to work together with African countries toward compiling the final report.

The participants at the meeting confirmed that with one year to go before TICAD V scheduled for June 1-3, 2013, steady progress is being made in implementing YAP as a starting point for the preparation process. They also discussed major themes to be focused on at TICAD V and confirmed their determination to work closely together to ensure the success of the conference.