Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono says Tokyo hopes to proceed with agreements with African nations with the aim of encouraging Japanese firms to invest in the continent.

Kono spoke at the opening ceremony of a ministerial meeting of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, or TICAD, in Mozambique on Thursday.

He pointed out the need to increase private-sector investments in Africa to help it achieve autonomous growth.

Kono said Japan plans to sign investment agreements with 13 countries, including Ethiopia and Ghana.

Apparently in reference to China's increasing maritime activities, Kono said maintaining a free and open maritime order under international law is the foundation of world peace and stability. He stressed that Japan intends to enhance the connection between Asia and Africa while ensuring free trade.

Kono told reporters that Africa needs quality infrastructure to achieve quality growth, and Tokyo needs to make the type of efforts that no other country can.

He said Japan hopes to help African countries, not only by building physical infrastructure, but by creating system in each country that unify people regardless of religion or tribe. Kono expressed hope that through such efforts, Japan will share a free and open maritime strategy throughout Asia and Africa, the fastest-growing continents in the world.

Published Date:2017-08-25