Courtesy Call Between Japan’s Prime Minister and South Africa’s Deputy President
On March 18, 2025, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan welcomed Deputy President Paul Mashatile of South Africa for a courtesy call. They discussed strengthening bilateral relations and collaboration for TICAD 9 and the G20 Summit. Prime Minister Ishiba reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to global cooperation on issues such as North Korea and UN reform.
On March 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, received a courtesy call from the Honorable Mr. Paul Mashatile, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa. This meeting lasted approximately 35 minutes as part of Deputy President Mashatile’s visit to Japan. The discussion emphasized the importance of the partnership between Japan and South Africa, highlighting shared fundamental values and collaborative efforts across various sectors.
Prime Minister Ishiba conveyed Japan’s commitment to fostering collaboration for the upcoming TICAD 9, hosted in Yokohama, as well as for the G20 Summit that South Africa will chair this year. Deputy President Mashatile expressed gratitude for his initial visit to Japan and conveyed a desire to strengthen the cooperative relationship across multiple areas.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Ishiba articulated Japan’s ambition to work alongside South Africa towards achieving a Free and Open Indo-Pacific rooted in the rule of law. He underscored the significance of collective action to address various international challenges, including those posed by North Korea related to nuclear and missile issues, abduction matters, and necessitated UN reforms.
The courtesy call between Prime Minister Ishiba and Deputy President Mashatile underscored the importance of Japan-South Africa relations. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation across diverse fields, aligning their efforts towards significant international events like TICAD 9 and the G20 Summit. Moreover, they highlighted the need for collective engagement in addressing pressing global issues, reinforcing their mutual dedication to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
Original Source: www.mofa.go.jp
