At the outset, Minister IWAYA welcomed the visit of the Minister Nduhungirehe, who spent his childhood in Japan and has deep ties with Japan. Minister IWAYA also welcomed the signing of the peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, referred to the need for all parties involved to fulfill the agreement and expressed his hope for Rwanda’s efforts. In response, Minister Nduhungirehe expressed his gratitude for Japan’s cooperation to date through TICAD process and, referring to the expectation for the strengthening of the partnership between Japan and Africa, stated his desire to work on the peace and stability in the region.

Minister IWAYA also stated that Japan has extended the food assistance to refugees and host communities through WFP in response to the deteriorating situation in the Great Lakes region and would support regionally-led stabilization efforts. He also stated that regional peace and stability are important for business operations in Rwanda. In response, Minister Nduhungirehe expressed his gratitude and expectation for Japan’s support in the humanitarian field, and stated his desire to further strengthen cooperation, including in the economic field.

The two ministers exchanged views on various regional and international challenges, including their policies towards North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue, as well as the United Nations Security Council reform, and concurred in closely working together to respond.