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Reporter: Japan attaches importance to the Global South as China increases its influence. The regions to be visited have been divided between the Prime Minister and you, with the Prime Minister visiting South America and you visiting Africa and South Asia. What is the meaning behind this?
In addition, in January, Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China visited African and Latin American and Caribbean countries and confirmed economic cooperation through the Belt and Road initiative. Please share what views were exchanged during your visit regarding China’s influence and what efforts you will be making for Japan to demonstrate a unique presence in the Global South where China’s economic cooperation stands out.
Minister Kamikawa: Regarding your first question, we believe that further strengthening collaboration and establishing partnerships with developing and emerging countries, which are taking on a significant presence in the world as the Global South, is vital for maintaining and strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law and leading the international community toward cooperation amid division and confrontation.
Based on this approach, ever since I was appointed as Foreign Minister last September, I have sought to engage many Global South countries, including countries in Southeastern Asia, the Middle East, the Pacific islands, and Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition to such efforts, I believe the Prime Minister’s visit to Latin America and the Caribbean and my visit to Africa and two South Asian countries will be useful for sending a strong message about Japan’s intention to further enhance its engagement with the Global South.
On your second question, I held in-person discussions on East Asian and other regional affairs with the foreign ministers and other officials of Madagascar, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria. It was very meaningful that we confirmed the importance of democracy and the free and open international order based on the rule of law, and confirmed that, on this basis, we will work to achieve sustainable development in Africa and peace and stability in the region and address global issues.
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Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Japan
Speaker: Kamikawa Yōko, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Format: Press Conference
China Policy Research 