Working Dinner Between Foreign Ministers of Japan and South Africa

On August 23, starting at 7:00 p.m. for about 70 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, had a working dinner with Honourable Mr. Ronald LAMOLA, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa. The summary is as follows.

Introduction

1. Minister Kamikawa congratulated Minister Lamola on South Africa’s government of national unity formation and his appointment as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. She expressed hope to collaborate on global challenges with South Africa, an important partner that shares fundamental values with Japan and will hold the G20 Presidency from December this year.
2. Minister Lamola expressed his pleasure in visiting Japan and gratitude for the TICAD Ministerial Meeting opportunity to discuss various matters. He looked forward to enhancing the friendly relations between the two countries with Minister Kamikawa’s cooperation.

Bilateral Relations

1. Minister Kamikawa mentioned South Africa as a hub for Japanese companies in Africa and expressed interest in strengthening cooperation, particularly in the power and energy sectors. She also highlighted the importance of network building among officials supporting Japanese companies. Minister Lamola appreciated Japanese cooperation towards South Africa’s decarbonization and hoped for further expansion by Japanese companies in the country. He also mentioned the lifting of the ban on avocado exports to Japan and the promotion of high-level visits between the two countries through the Japan-South Africa Partnership Forum.
2. Minister Kamikawa emphasized the need to maintain a free and open maritime order based on the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. She hoped for cooperation between both countries in areas like freedom of navigation and the blue economy. Minister Lamola expressed a desire for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, utilizing frameworks like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

Cooperation in the International Arena

Minister Kamikawa highlighted the G20’s crucial role in addressing complex crises as development challenges become more intricate. She welcomed the increased role of African voices in the upcoming G20 Presidency chaired by South Africa. Minister Lamola mentioned Africa’s growing international role and the AU’s full membership in the G20 while discussing the areas of focus during the G20 Presidency. Both Ministers agreed to continue collaborating towards TICAD 9 and the G20 in South Africa next year.

Additionally, the ministers discussed various issues such as United Nations Security Council reform, the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the regional situation in East Asia, including dealing with North Korea and the abductions issue.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.