The African Union Commission and Japan hold Second High-level Policy Dialogue
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 27, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Within the framework of the Joint Communiqué issued by the African Union Commission (AUC) and Japan during the visit to Japan of the Commission Chairperson, Dr. Jean Ping, on 1-3 August 2010, the Second High-level Policy Dialogue between both parties took place on 25 January 2011, at the AUC Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The High-level Policy Dialogue was initiated in recognition of the progress made in the political and economic integration of Africa and the increasing role of the AU in this respect, and aims at further reinforcing ties of cooperation between both parties, especially in the areas of development, peace and security, capacity building, infrastructure, trade and industry, energy, climate change and higher education.
The AU side was led by the Commission Chairperson and included the Commissioners for Rural Economy and Agriculture, Peace and Security, Trade and Industry, Infrastructure and Energy, and Human Resources, Science and Technology, as well as the Chief of Staff in the Bureau of the Chairperson and other senior Commission officials.
The Japanese side was led by the State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Takeaki Matsumoto, and included Japan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union and senior officials in charge of Africa at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Both parties exchanged views on a wide range of issues of mutual interest and explored ways of further strengthening their cooperation.
In his opening remarks, the Chairperson recalled, with appreciation, his official visit to Japan in August 2010, during which he met with Prime Minister Naoto Kan, and issued the joint AU-Japan Communiqué, following his meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Katsuya Okada. The communiqué defines the framework for cooperation between the AUC and Japan.
Dr. Ping reiterated the Commission’s eagerness to actively cooperate with Japan in various areas, including the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) of which the AUC is now a co-organizer.
On his part, State Secretary Takeaki Matsumoto underscored the importance of Africa to Japan
and expressed his country’s readiness to enhance its ties of cooperation with the AU and its Member States. He further reiterated Japan’s commitment to the implementation of the AU-Japan Joint Communiqué and announced the planning of a TICAD Ministerial Meeting to be held in Senegal within the next few months.
Each of the five Commissioners in attendance gave a brief presentation on the work of their respective departments, with special emphases on possible areas of greater cooperation with Japan.
In the area of peace and security, the Japanese side expressed its high appreciation for the active role being played by the AU across the Continent, especially in conflict prevention, management and resolution, and expressed its intention to continue supporting these endeavours.
The Japanese side also reiterated its support for Africa’s efforts to promote trade, investment, and private sector development, with a view to boosting self-sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.
The Japanese side also appreciated the active role the AUC plays in coordinating Africa’s actions in tackling global challenges such as environmental issues and climate change.
With regard to UN reform, both sides agreed on the importance and urgency of the reform of the UN Security Council, in order to ensure the proper representation of the different regions, including Africa, to improve the organisation’s effectiveness and efficiency.
Recognizing the need for further coordination between Japan and Africa in these and other areas, both sides agreed to intensify dialogue and cooperation through, inter alia, regular high-level talks.
SOURCE
African Union Commission (AUC)
