平和構築委員会（PBC）中央アフリカ共和国に関する大使級会合における水田公使参事官ステートメント

I thank H.E. Ambassador Hilale of Morocco for convening today’s meeting. I also thank all the other briefers for their valuable inputs.
 
Today, we have received important updates by several CAR authorities, such as the National Elections Authority (ANE), on their efforts to prepare for the local elections slated for January 2023. We have also heard from the briefers about the importance of creating conducive political conditions for credible, peaceful, and inclusive local elections.
 
Japan acknowledges the ongoing efforts by the government and other stakeholders of the Central African Republic, MINUSCA, regional countries, and other partners for advancing the political process and achieving long-term stability in the country.
 
In particular, we acknowledge that a strategic review meeting on the political process held in Bangui on 4 June of this year was an important step forward to advance the efforts to implement the political agreement for peace and reconciliation in the country. We thank the governments of Angola and Rwanda, as well as MINUSCA, for their leadership and support in this regard. Japan encourages all stakeholders to build upon the momentum of this meeting toward the implementation of the joint roadmap. In particular, advancing political dialogue is necessary to create a conducive environment for the success of local elections.
 
Since the democratic presidential election in 2016, we have extended assistance to support the country's efforts to build a democratic nation, as well as to address its humanitarian challenges. For example, Japan joined other partners to support the 2020-21 presidential and parliamentary elections process by providing around 2.3 million USD through UNDP. This year, as the Central African Republic faces a severe food shortage, Japan decided to provide food assistance through WFP in July. Japan will continue to explore how best we can help the country address its multi-faceted challenges, and to implement necessary assistance.
 
I thank you, Mr. Chair.