Arab News Japan

Japanese Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa attended the fifth meeting of the Advisory Board for Promoting Science and Technology Diplomacy on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The meeting was also attended by MATSUMOTO Yoichiro, the Science and Technology Advisor to the Minister ofForeign Affairs, and Dr. KOTANI Motoko, the Science and Technology Co-Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

During the meeting, Hayashi emphasized the importance of promoting Science and Technology Diplomacy in a time where science, technology and innovation (STI) are increasingly involved in solving global issues and maintaining economic security.

In reference to the recommendations that were submitted to the board in June, which include strengthening the foundation of science and technological capabilities, Hayashi said that the Foreign Ministry will “advance their cooperation with relevant ministries and agencies and will make an effort to reinforce the structure and functions of diplomatic missions abroad” in a manner that ensures the promotion and utilization of such capabilities in order to gather reliable information.

MATSUMOTO and Dr. KOTANI discussed their recent activities, which involved the attendance of  networking events through official visits to the United States and EU, advisory activities on the promotion of “international brain circulation” based on interviews with Japanese researchers overseas, in addition to public outreach activities that involved the presentation f lectures at various forums and the TICAD-8 side events that were held prior to the conference.

Members of the advisory board discussed the current state of science and technology diplomacy, the challenges being faced in these fields, future plans, and a number of other topics such as official development assistance (ODA), economic security and international brain circulation.

The advisory board will continue to advise and exchange opinions with STI experts and related agencies during international meetings and diplomatic occasions.