Countries & Regions

On June 2, for about 15 minutes from 4:15 pm, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had a meeting with H.E. Mr. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, in Yokohama Japan. The following is the gist of the meeting. President Museveni is visiting Japan to participate in the Fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V) held from June 1 to 3.

1. At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Abe welcomed President Museveni’s visit all the way to Japan and his fourth participation in TICAD. Abe also expressed his hope to work with President Museveni together toward the success of TICAD, which celebrates its 20th anniversary, for development both in Africa and Japan. In response, President Museveni said that he still remembers the days when he first participated in the TICAD 20 years ago, and stated that consultations with Japanese companies has progressed ever since.
2. President Museveni stated that the ever-expanding African market can offer business opportunities to Japanese companies not only in such areas as manufacturing and service but also in infrastructure, and mentioned that Japanese companies can make a profit by reducing business costs by promoting investment in infrastructure development. He also said that Africa can enjoy benefits from exporting new products to Japan, expanding job opportunities through recipient of investment and boosting purchasing power, and that the mutually-beneficial relationships between Africa and Japan will be created.
3. Prime Minister Abe said that Japan’s assistance to Africa is designed for contributing to growth both in Africa and Japan, and expressed his intention to provide assistance in the field of electrification in regions, water provision and agriculture with the aim of contributing to achieving growth and redressing disparities in Uganda. Prime Minister Abe also said Japan will work together with Uganda to further improve investment climate such as infrastructure, to promote investment by the Japanese private sector in the country. Following this, Prime Minister Abe recognized Uganda’s contribution to achieving peace and stability in Somalia, adding that Japan will resolutely support Somalia.
4. President Museveni said he expects Prime Minister Abe to visit Uganda to further deepen discussions between the two nations. In response, Abe showed his gratitude for the invitation.
5. In addition, views were exchanged between the two heads of state with respect to cooperation in international arena including development of Africa.