TOKYO: State Minister Shunsuke Takei met with several dignitaries in Djibouti on Wednesday as part of his mission to oversee the evacuation of Japanese citizens from conflict-torn Sudan.
Takei met with Mohamed Ali Hassan, Djibouti’s secretary-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as well as US Ambassador to Djibouti Jonathan Goodale Pratt and French Ambassador Dana Purcarescu.
In the meeting with Ali Hassan, Takei thanked Djibouti for helping to evacuate several Japanese individuals and families who had requested to leave as of April 24.
He said the evacuation was a success and noted that Japan’s Self-Defense Force base in Djibouti played an important role in the operation.
Takei also expressed hope that Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh would use his influence to assist in mediating between the warring parties in Sudan, and ensure stability is restored in the Horn of Africa.
In his meeting with the American and French ambassadors, Takei expressed his gratitude to both countries for helping to evacuate Japanese citizens.
Takei said he would continue to work closely with like-minded countries and the international community to stabilize the situation and support the transition to civilian rule in Sudan.
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