Japanese Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Nobuo Kishi's visit to Egypt

TOKYO, Japan, July 25, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — 1. On July 19, Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Nobuo Kishi visited Egypt and paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and held discussions with H.E. Mr. Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

2. During his courtesy call on H.E. President Al Sisi, Mr. Kishi delivered him a letter from Japanese Prime Minister Abe, and conveyed to him following messages:

(1) Japan expects that, under the leadership of President Al Sisi, Egypt will achieve its stability and prosperity through political and economic management which allows participation of wide range of people. Japan also expects that free and fair parliamentary election will be carried out.

(2) Japan appreciates newly launched painful economic and financial reforms by the Egyptian Government. Japan supports Egypt’s reforming efforts.

(3) Japan continues its supports that help Egypt’s efforts in order to build a democratic society and the stability of the society and the economy. Japan is heading towards extending a new soft loan to “The Project for Construction of the New Dirout Group of Regulators”, the project that will contribute to improving agricultural productivity which is the main axis of Egypt’s economy.

(4) Japan hopes to promote the exchange and the cooperative relations between the two countries at various levels in order to deepen strategic partnership. Japan also hopes that President Al Sisi will visit Japan in the near future.

3. Besides, the Parliamentary senior Vice-Minister Kishi exchanged views in these meetings about tense situations in the region, including the Middle East Peace Process. In particular, regarding to the situation in Gaza, Mr. Kishi stated that Japan upholds that Egypt is playing a huge role through diplomatic efforts including the Egyptian initiative for cease-fire, and wants to cooperate closely with the international community including Egypt for easing the situation as early as possible and reaching a continuous cease-fire.