On March 18, 2025, Deputy President Paul Mashatile of South Africa visited Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan. They discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation and preparing for TICAD 9 and the G20 Summit. Prime Minister Ishiba highlighted collaboration on regional stability and international challenges.
On March 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., Mr. Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan, received a courtesy visit from the Honorable Paul Mashatile, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, during his trip to Japan. The meeting lasted approximately 35 minutes and highlighted the collaboration between the two nations.
Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized the strong partnership between Japan and South Africa, noting their shared values and principles. He expressed Japan’s commitment to collaborating closely for the success of the upcoming TICAD 9 summit, which Japan will host in Yokohama, and acknowledged South Africa’s role in chairing this year’s G20 Summit. Deputy President Mashatile expressed gratitude for his inaugural visit to Japan and voiced his intent to strengthen bilateral relations across various sectors.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Ishiba reiterated Japan’s dedication to collaborating with South Africa on promoting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, emphasizing adherence to the rule of law. He underscored the importance of addressing international challenges, including issues related to North Korea, such as nuclear and missile threats, the abduction situation, and global UN reform efforts.
The courtesy call between Prime Minister Ishiba and Deputy President Mashatile underscores the strong partnership between Japan and South Africa, highlighting shared values and commitments to address mutual challenges. Both nations expressed their desire to enhance cooperation in various areas, especially in preparation for significant international summits such as TICAD 9 and the G20, while embracing a rule-based approach to international relations.
Original Source: www.mofa.go.jp
