On the occasion of the Conference of Japanese Ambassadors to Africa and the Middle-East, The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, H.E. Mr. Katsuya Okada, hosted a reception on December 17, 2009 at Iikura House to which African Ambassadors and their Colleagues from the Middle-East and several others guest were invited.

This gathering provided the opportunity for Ambassadors to exchange views on the bilateral relations between their respective countries and Japan. It was also an excellent occasion for Ambassadors to meet at one place with the Japanese officials from various Ministries or Agencies, including JICA, JICS and JETRO to discuss in a friendly atmosphere, issues relating to the cooperation and partnership between Africa and Japan.

For African Ambassadors in Japan, under the process of their “collective diplomacy”, the main issues discussed with their Japanese counterparts dealt with the implementation of the Yokohama TICAD IV Action Plan; The working synergy to be established between the African and Japanese Missions for strengthening partnership; and the “Branding of Africa in Japan” for promoting more cultural, trade, investment and tourism exchanges.

It should also be mentioned that on the previous day, a similar reception was hosted by the President of the Africa Society in Japan, Mr. HATTORI, at Okura Hotel.