"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Statement by Foreign Minister Kishida at the Third Thematic Session of the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI)

[Place] Kenyatta International Conference Center, Nairobi, Kenya
[Date] August 27, 2016
[Source] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
[Notes]
[Full text]

During this open debate, I emphasized the importance of human resource development as one of the key factors for the future of peacebuilding in Africa. Japan, being a country poor in natural resources, understands from its own experience that human resources are crucially important. That is why Japan stresses the importance of human resource development in various fields in the TICAD process as well.

In the field of peacekeeping and peacebuilding, in order to improve Africa's capability, Japan has been contributing to the training of peacekeeping and peacebuilding personnel by supporting PKO training centers in Africa.

Japan intends to continue strengthening its support for capacity building of the people who actually run the institutions. For instance, Japan will cooperate with the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) to promote capacity building for legal institutions.

While threats of cross-border crime are increasing, attention should be given particularly to the importance of good border management. On the other hand, strengthened border control must not become an impediment to quick movement of people and goods. Japan believes utilization of innovative technologies will be an effective solution to cope with these contradicting needs. By collaborating with Japanese companies with such innovative technologies, Japan has been providing support for an effective border and security control.

Japan will make good use of Japan's strengths such as human resource development and cutting-edge technology as we cooperate with regional and semi-regional institutions such as the African Union (AU) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) which greatly contribute to peace and security of Africa.

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce Mr. Yasutoshi Nishimura, Member of the House of Representatives, who is here with us today representing the Japan-AU Parliamentary Friendship Association, and ask him to make a brief remark.

Thank you very much.