Statement by Mr. NAMAZU Hiroyuki, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, PBC Ambassadorial-level meeting on the Great Lakes Region

Merci, Monsieur le President,
 
Thank you so much, Special Envoy Xia, and other briefers for their insightful briefings on the current situation in the Great Lakes Region.
 
At the outset, as an Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of Japan, I would like to express our condolences on the sudden passing of His Excellency President Nkurunziza.  Japan remains committed to supporting the people of Burundi in their endeavor to bring about a peaceful and prosperous future.
 
I would like to underline a few points that Japan considers particularly important.
 
First, political and security situation.
 
In spite of ongoing COVID-19 crisis, we are strongly encouraged by the many positive bilateral and multilateral developments over the past few months in the Region to ease tensions, address differences and strengthen relations.
 
Japan welcomes especially the efforts made towards normalization of relations between Rwanda and Uganda.  We commend the mediation efforts of Angola and the DRC to this end.
 
Japan also commends mediation efforts by the Republic of Congo as Chair of International Conference on the Great Lakes Region to ease the strained relations between the DRC and Zambia.
 
On the other hand, it is true that many challenges still remain.  Japan is seriously concerned by the recent development in the eastern DRC, as reported by OHCHR on 5 June.  Addressing the root causes of long-standing insecurity and humanitarian crisis, including proper management of small and light weapons and natural resources is essential.  Promotion of socio-economic development is no less important.  The international community should encourage and support African-led efforts, including mediation, good offices, early warning, conflict prevention and peacebuilding.  Japan will continue its support for these initiatives under the banner of the “New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa”, or “NAPSA”.
 
Second, cross-border trade and investment.
Strengthening economic relations and promoting cross-border ‘trade and investment’ will have positive effects on conflict prevention and on peace and stability in the region.  
 
We are very encouraged by recent progress made in this area since the signing of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework in 2013.
 
Japan supports regional initiatives to promote cross-border trade.  In cooperation with NEPAD, Japan promotes the introduction of “one stop border posts” which allow ‘customs clearance services’ to become more efficient.  One concrete example is the project to rehabilitate the Rusumo International Bridge which links Rwanda and Tanzania.  Replacing the previous single lane bridge and renovating the border customs facilities, this project has contributed to dramatic reductions in ‘customs clearance times’ and has increased traffic and trade volume in the Eastern African region.
 
Last, but not least, COVID-19.
 
I would like just to underline that a spread of COVID-19 could cause a serious human security crisis, threaten peace and stability, and devastate the region’s fragile economy.  We need increased solidarity.  Japan spares no effort and stands with the people of the Great Lakes Region.
 
I thank you, Mr. Chair.