Japan-Kenya Foreign Ministers' Meeting

TOKYO, Japan, June 7, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- On Tuesday, June 5, Mr. Koichiro Gemba, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with Hon. Amb. Prof. Samson K. Ongeri, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya, who was visiting Japan, from 3:45 pm for approximately 35 minutes. An overview of the meeting is as follows:

Minister Gemba stated the following:

(1) I appreciate that Kenya extended sympathy and condolences in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake. I believe that Minister Ongeri will attend the "World Ministerial Conference on Disaster Reduction in Tohoku" to be hosted by the Government of Japan in July.

(2) I expect constructive discussion for the realization of sustainable development, which is appropriate for the 21st century, at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). The Government of Japan would like to actively contribute to the success of the Rio+20. Especially, we would like to stress the importance of green innovation for shifting toward green economy.

(3) I appreciate Foreign Minister Ongeri's constructive remarks at the session about climate change issues during the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Follow-up Meeting held in Morocco. I would like to request the attendance of Kenyan President at the TICAD V to be held next June in Yokohama in order to make the TICAD V a success.

In response, Foreign Minister Ongeri stated the following:

(1) I would like to once again express my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The Republic of Kenya would like to show solidarity with Japan. Visiting Japan today, I was impressed by the strength of the Japanese people.

(2) I appreciate Minister Gemba's strong commitment to Rio+20. Kenya expects that reinforcement of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) will be realized as a result of the Rio+20.

(3) As discussed at the TICAD Ministerial Follow-up Meeting held in Morocco, climate change issues should also be discussed at the TICAD V. Kenya supports the green energy policy.

(4) We value the "World Ministerial Conference on Disaster Reduction in Tohoku", and I would like to attend the conference. However, I cannot assure that yet.

In addition to the above, both ministers exchanged views on situations in Somalia and on cooperation in the international arena, and other issues.