Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan on the Presidential Runoff Election in Senegal

TOKYO, Japan, March 29, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Japan welcomes the fact the presidential runoff election was peacefully conducted on Sunday, March 25 (local time) in the Republic of Senegal, and that on the same night, incumbent President Abdoulaye Wade accepted the victory of Mr. Macky Sall and expressed his congratulations to the latter.

It is of great significance that the will of the people, which was expressed in a peaceful and democratic manner through the presidential election, was respected and thereby contribute to evolving Senegalese tradition of mature democracy which shows an example of a democratic state in Africa.

Japan expresses its respect for President Wade's achievements and leadership during the past 12 years in his office, and appreciates the President for his contributions to deepening Japan-Senegal relations, including his active contributions to the development of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).

Japan counts on Senegal, a democratic and stabilizing force in the region, to continuously contribute to the peace and prosperity of the West African region. Japan is willing to extend as much support as it can for the efforts of the Senegalese Government led by the new President towards this end.