Tokyo, 8 January 2019

 

  • Excellency, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
  • Senior Officials
  • Members of the media

 

  • It is a pleasure to be back in Japan. I thank you, Mr Prime Minister, for the invitation, and your Government’s hospitality.
  • I bring warm greetings, and best wishes from the people of Rwanda to the people of Japan.
  • [Akemash’te omedetou gozaimass’]
  • The Prime Minister and I, have had productive discussions on a range of issues of interest to our two countries, as well as pertinent global matters.
  • Rwanda appreciates the friendship and cooperation we enjoy with Japan.
  • Indeed, our visit is an opportunity to learn more from each other, and further strengthen our strong bilateral ties, development cooperation and increase trade and investment between Rwanda and Japan.
  • In this respect, I am accompanied by a delegation of business people from Rwanda.
  • We look forward to the business forum taking place tomorrow, and the roadshow to introduce Kigali Innovation City, one of Rwanda’s flagship projects.
  • Japan is also a good partner for Africa. We look forward to deepening our mutually beneficial cooperation in many areas, during the upcoming TICAD Summit in Yokohama.
  • In closing, let me say that I am very pleased to be here in Tokyo, which marks our first visit abroad this year.

Thank you.