Japan and South Africa — G20 Johannesburg Summit and beyond

The G20 Johannesburg Summit concluded this past Sunday. I would like to express mysincere appreciation to the South African government for the leadership they demonstrated, andto all the local people for their warm hospitality. The first-ever G20 Summit on African soil made ahistoric moment with remarkable grace and pride.

To attend this landmark meeting, Japanese Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae travelled from the other side of the globe, which demonstrates how strongly Japan values the Japan-South Africa relationship and the G20 as a forum for advancing international cooperation.

As Prime Minister TAKAICHI emphasised, amidst the multiple crises the international community is facing, now is thetime for the members of the G20 to address challenges and to build global governance in a waythat all members share responsibility. In this regard, I welcome the substantive discussions at thisLeaders’ Summit to address global issues such as disaster resilience, debt sustainability for low-income countries, critical minerals, and AI.

Prime Minister TAKAICHI’s visit also reflects Japan’s deep commitment to cooperationwith Africa. Japan has cultivated a longstanding partnership with Africa, inspired by the continent’svibrancy and immense potential. Our engagement is centered around the Tokyo InternationalConference on African Development (TICAD), founded on two core principles: African ownershipand genuine partnership with the international community.

In August, Japan hosted TICAD9 in Yokohama, where Japan and African countries, underthe theme “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” reaffirmed their commitment to jointlyaddress regional and global challenges. The conference highlighted cross-cutting priorities such asprivate sector-led sustainable growth with close coordination with public sector and regionalintegration and connectivity. Reflecting the breadth of these discussions, over 300 business-related cooperation documents were signed between Japanese and African public and privatesector partners.

Japan believes that the momentum generated through TICAD9 should be carried intobroader global platforms. With this in mind, Japan worked closely with South Africa to enrich thediscussion throughout the G20 process.

Underlying all these efforts is Japan’s unwavering commitment to upholding a rules-based, free, and open international order. The world is witnessing unprecedented challenges to afree, open, and stable global system.

At this historic turning point, it is essential that these valuesand principles are shared and respected, so that the international community moves towardcooperation rather than division and confrontation. Guided by this conviction, Japan is working touphold and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law, grounded inour vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

To achieve this vision, cooperation with South Africa is indispensable. Not only do thetwo countries share these values and principles, but South Africa also occupies a geopoliticallyimportant position along vital sea lanes linking the Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific. Japan aspires towork with South Africa to advance peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific Ocean that liesbetween our nations, and ultimately the world.

In this context, the Japan-South Africa bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of G20,which I had a privilege of attending, provided Prime Minister Takaichi and President Ramaphosaan excellent opportunity to build trust, deepen their friendship, and discuss ways to furtherenhance bilateral relations. Our economic ties are already strong, with Japan serving as SouthAfrica’s sixth-largest trading partner.

Yet the potential for further partnership is significant. Trade,investment and job creation in the private sector can further drive South Africa’s technologicalinnovation and economic development. In addition, it is equally important that our public sectorscontinue working together to improve the business environment that supports private-sectorengagement.

In this regard, I welcome the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation ondecarbonisation between the two governments on 19 November, right before the G20 Summit, asan opportunity for further collaboration in energy transition.

People-to-people exchange is another pillar of our partnership. Through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme, approximately 1000 South Africans have stayed in Japanas Assistant Language Teachers. I look forward to further enhancing this valuable programme byexpanding follow-up opportunities and creating a platform for sharing participants’ experiences.Cultural exchanges also deepen mutual understanding.

We continue promoting opportunities for South African people to experience Japanese traditional and pop cultures, movies, music, etc. Onsports, the Embassy of Japan earlier this month hosted a live screening of an international rugbytest match between the Springboks and Japan’s Brave Blossoms. Watching more than a hundredguests enjoy the match together strengthened my resolve to create more opportunities that buildmutual trust and respect.

During my eleven months of service as Ambassador to South Africa thus far, I have been deeply impressed by the country’s dynamism and touched by the generosity and openness of its people. Building on the friendship and cooperation we have shared, on the foundationsconsolidated through recent achievements such as the G20 and TICAD9,

I am committed to working closely with all partners to further strengthen Japan-South Africa bonds. Together, Ibelieve we can contribute to the stability and prosperity not only of our two countries, but also ofthe region and the world.

Ambassodor Shimizi Fumio (Japan)