Japan/Africa

Africa gains support at three-day summit

Article published on the 2008-05-30 Latest update 2008-05-31 10:38 TU

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf meets Japanese PM Yasuo Fukuda
( Photo: AFP )

Fifty-one African leaders and the Japanese government wrapped up a three-day meeting in Yokohama on Friday, as Japan pledged to help Africa combat the food crisis and aid in development. Tokyo also hopes to have won support for its bid for a UN Security Council seat.

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda called for a "long-term relationship with Africa" on Friday at the end of the three-day summit, amid Japanese pledges to double aid to the African continent and lend support for increasing Africa's food production.

Fukuda denied that the summit, the 15th of a series of annual meetings, was the result of rivalry with China or the pursuit of resources.

He did say that Japan's quest for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, a move that has been blocked by China in the past, was part of the agenda.

"I think I gained their understanding on Japan's position on reform of the UN Security Council," he said.

Sudan's Ambassador to Japan made a distinction between aid given by the two Asian countries.

"China focuses more on infrastructure while Japan focuses more on human security, growth, climate change and improving the lives of ordinary citizens," said Steven Kiliona Wondu.

During the meeting, African Union head Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete pushed to make Africa be a major theme on the upcoming G8 summit of the world's richest nations, also to be held in Japan this summer.

"Africa made its case during this meeting, and in Japan we found partners who are ready to listen and to work with us," said Kikwete. "Suggestions that came out of this meeting will also find their way to the G8 meeting."