Japanese Foreign Minister: "Ukraine Crisis Also Affects Africa... Cooperation Needed"

Hayashi Yoshimasa, Japan's Foreign Minister, is requesting cooperation from African countries on the Ukraine situation at the TICAD ministerial meeting that opened on the night of the 26th. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Mideum] Japan requested cooperation from African countries regarding the Ukraine situation at the TICAD ministerial meeting held via video conference on the 26th and 27th.

Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine at the meeting that opened on the night of the 26th, stating, "The issue is not about choosing sides, but about the international community upholding principles such as the UN Charter prohibiting the threat or use of force and respect for fundamental human rights."

He continued, "There are tangible impacts on energy and food supplies, so it is necessary to respond to the situation in alignment with the international community to protect the lives of Africans."

Additionally, Foreign Minister Hayashi expressed his intention to support African countries in escaping the 'debt trap,' targeting China, which is expanding its influence in Africa through projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative (一帶一路, land and maritime Silk Road).

This statement comes amid increasing cases where countries that have received excessive investments from China are unable to manage large debts and end up transferring infrastructure usage rights to China.

Without directly naming China, Foreign Minister Hayashi said, "Addressing development finance that does not adhere to international rules and standards, including unfair and non-transparent lending, is an important task."

Since 1993, Japan has held the TICAD, attended by heads of African countries, to support Africa while seeking backing for its bid to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.