Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio on Saturday held a summit meeting with Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros, who is visiting Japan to attend the Outreach Meeting during the G7 Hiroshima Summit.

Kishida stated that he had announced a new plan for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and expressed his desire to continue to cooperate with the Comoros. 

President Azali expressed his backing for moves to promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region and said he was grateful for Japan’s support. He expressed his expectations for further strengthening of bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Kishida expressed his desire to continue to work closely with the Comoros – which holds the African Union Presidency – in various fields.

They exchanged views on the international situation, including the situation in Sudan, Ukraine and North Korea. They confirmed that they would continue to work together to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. 

Kishida expressed his gratitude to President Azali for attending the G7 Hiroshima Summit and stated that Japan is a “partner growing together” with Africa. He mentioned that he had experienced first-hand the potential and possibilities of Africa during his recent visit to four African countries. 

President Azari expressed his gratitude for Japan’s continued support for Africa, including the support for the African Union’s participation in the G20, and stated that he would like to cooperate with Japan, especially while holding the AU Presidency.