Japan Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu to visit Kenya

Japan Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu is scheduled to make an official two-day visit to Kenya from Tuesday.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said the visit will give Kenya and Japan an opportunity to review bilateral relations and explore ways of consolidating economic collaboration during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period and beyond.

“The visit is part of the two countries’ efforts to strengthen the long-standing bilateral relations based on shared values including a belief in a rules-based multilateral system, the promotion of democratic values and good governance. Kenya and Japan have had diplomatic relations that date back to 1963,” the statement reads.

During his visit, the Japanese Foreign Minister is expected pay a courtesy call to President Uhuru Kenyatta on January 13, 2021 at State House, Nairobi.

He will also hold a bilateral consultation with Amb. Raychelle Omamo, the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

“The Kenyan and Japanese delegations will also deal with other matters of mutual interest,” the statement adds.

In December last year, Japan and South Africa’s foreign ministers agreed to strengthen post-pandemic business ties.

南アフリカでは、パンドール外相と会談し、ビジネス促進や「自由で開かれたインド太平洋」の実現に向けた連携等で一致しました。出国前にはラマポーザ大統領からの電話を受け、歓迎の言葉を頂くとともに、様々な分野での両国間の連携を確認しました。今、最後の訪問国モーリシャスに向かっています。 pic.twitter.com/qPlXXAj03a

— 茂木敏充 (@moteging) December 12, 2020

According to Japan Times newspaper, many Japanese companies looking to enter the emerging market as a key gateway to the whole African continent.

During talks with his South African counterpart Naledi Pandor, Foreign Minister Motegi said Japanese companies had resumed full-fledged operations in the country following a suspension due to the pandemic.

The ministers are said to have agreed to convene a forum at an early date to spur bilateral investment.

Some 160 companies including Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. have bases in South Africa, which accounts for over 20% of the continent’s gross domestic product, according to ministry data.

Motegi visited South Africa as the third stop on his African tour in 2020. Other countries that he visited include Tunisia, Mozambique and Mauritius.

先程、ニュシ大統領を表敬しました。ここモザンビークは、天正遣欧使節団が上陸した地であり、織田信長の黒人従者・弥助の出身国とも言われています。車中から見た首都マプトは、元宗主国ポルトガルが残した大航海時代を彷彿とさせる建築物が特徴的で、町中は活気に溢れています。明日は外相会談です。 pic.twitter.com/lsihuF1w2H

— 茂木敏充 (@moteging) December 10, 2020