TOKYO, Dec 3 (AFP) - A two-day ministerial-level conference on Africa's development began Monday in Tokyo, calling on the international community to step up efforts to back the continent's fight against conflict and poverty.
The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), co-chaired by Japan, the United Nations, the World Bank and Global Coalition for Africa, is being attended by officials from all 53 African nations, 11 Asian countries, 23 donor nations and 38 international groups.
At the opening ceremony, Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi sought to raise international support for the impoverished continent despite a slow-down in the global economy following the September 11 terror attacks in the United States.
"The environment surrounding the international community has been very severe, because of the political and economical impact of recent terrorist attacks in the United States," Koizumi said in a speech.
"Even with this situation, it is essential that the international community strengthen its joint efforts against issues Africa is facing, such as conflicts and poverty," Koizumi said.
"The government of Japan is determined to address the problems of Africa as one of the most important issue in our foreign policy," he said.
"To help unveil the bright future for Africa, the international community must accumulate its wisdom and Japan, for its part, is resolved to providing utmost support for this effort," he added.
Japanese Foreign Minister Makiko Tanaka called for an active role by the private sector in developing Africa.
"African development requires wider participation of the private sector," Tanaka told the gathering.
"The importance of its role is increasingly recognised. We will extend active support in human resources development in order to contribute to enhancing the investment environment in Africa."
She underscored Tokyo's support for Africa's fight against infectious diseases and noted the need for providing information technology to help activate the African economy.
"Infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria are exerting a devastating social, economic and political impact on African countries," Tanaka said.
"It is imperative to disseminate the benefits of information technology and to make active use of it in Africa's development," she said.
Tokyo would boost coordination and expand the activities of three infectious disease-control projects it runs in Kenya, Ghana and Zambia to include neighbouring countries, the foreign minister added.
During the two-day meeting, participants are to discuss ways of reducing poverty and using information technology for development and regional cooperation, organisers said.
Among other issues are governance, education, health and the role of private-sector trade and investment for African development, they said.
During his speech, Koizumi unveiled a plan to chair another TICAD meeting in late 2003.
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