Japan International Cooperation Agency
Share
  • 日本語
  • English
  • Français
  • Espanol
  • Home
  • About JICA
  • News & Features
  • Countries & Regions
  • Our Work
  • Publications
  • Investor Relations

News

November 13, 2022

JICA Chair Special Lecture in Ethiopia and Djibouti by H.E. Koji Tsuruoka

Overview

Event name: JICA Chair Special Lecture in Ethiopia and Djibouti by H.E. Koji Tsuruoka
Date: November 11th(Ethiopia), 13th(Djibouti), 2022
Venue: Addis Ababa University(Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), Institute d'Etude Diplomatique(Djibouti, Djibouti)
Main Participants:
- Lecturer: H.E. Koji Tsuruoka, Former Japanese Ambassador to the U.K. and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan
[Ethiopia]
- Dr. Emebet Mulugeta, Academic Vice President, Addis Ababa University
- H.E. Takako Ito, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ethiopia
- H.E. Toshihiko Horiuchi, Ambassador of Japan to the African Union
[Djibouti]
- Mr. Mohamed Abdoulkader Moussa, Director of Institute d'Etude Diplomatique in Djibouti
- Mr. Mohamde Ali Youssouf, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
- H.E. Umio Otsuka, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Djibouti

Program

· Addis Ababa University:
(1) Introduction of the “JICA Chair Program” by Dr. Katsuki Morihara, Chief Representative of JICA Ethiopia Office
(2) Welcoming remarks by Dr. Emebet Mulugeta, Academic Vice President of Addis Ababa University
(3) Opening remarks by H.E. Ms. Takako Ito, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ethiopia
(4) Handover Ceremony/ Donation of books about Japan from Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Nippon Foundation
(5) Lecture: Japanese Diplomacy in A Turbulent Wolrd by H.E. Koji Tsuruoka, former Japanese Ambassador to the U.K. and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan
(6) Q&A, Discussion session
(7) Closing remarks by Dr. Yonas Ashene, Department Chair, Political Science and International Relations

· Institude of Diplomatic Studies in Djibouti:
(1) Welcoming remarks by Mr. Mohamed Abdoulkader Moussa, Director of the Institude of Diplomatic Studies
(2) Introduction of the “JICA Chair Program” by Mr. Masayuki Kaneda, Chief Representative of JICA Djibouti Office
(3) Remarks by H.E. Mr. Umio Otsuka, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Djibouti and H.E. Mr. Mohamed Ali Youssouf, Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
(4) Handover Ceremony/Books donated from Embassy of Japan and remarks by H.E. Mr. Umio Otsuka, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Djibouti
(5) Lecture: Japanese Diplomacy in A Turbulent Wolrd by H.E. Koji Tsuruoka
(5) Q&A, Discussion session
(6) Closing remarks by Mr. Mohamed Abdoulkader Moussa, Director of Institude of Diplomatic Studies

photoDonation of books with the Nippon Foundation from H.E. Takako Ito to Dr. Emebet Mulugeta

photoOpening remarks at the Institute of Diplomatic Studies in Djibouti

Content of the Lecture

In the lecture by H.E. Tsuruoka, he explained about how Japan' s foreign policy contributed Japan' modernization as well as the economic and social development after the 2nd World War. He also shared some of the key diplomatic challenges Japan faced during these periods and stressed that the respect for "Rule-Based International Order" (RBIO) has consistently been one of the most important principles underlying Japan's foreign policy. He also pointed out that the RBIO can never be robust without engagement by all states and stressed the importance of their proactive participation in multilateral decision making as a means to achieve peace and prosperity in the international community.

The participants in both venues asked a wide range of questions, such as "how did Japan establish the respect for peace and the RBIO as a principle of its foreign policy while these concepts are often too idealistic and hard to implement in reality?", "Why isn't Japan playing a more active role as a balancer between Western and non-Western countries?", "You said 'Japan must keep history in mind' in your lecture, but what aspect of Japan's history should be particularly remembered and how do you use it for your country's progress?". In responding to these questions, H.E. Tsuruoka stressed the importance of sharing an ultimate goal in the international community no matter how idealistic it may be and making collective efforts consistently over the long run no matter how small each step may be. He also mentioned that key factors that contribute to creating an environment conducive for such efforts include respect for diversity and equal partnership among countries, honest attitude to admit and face mistakes in the past, and lasting constructive engagement in enhancing the RBIO rather than falling into complacency.

photoDiscussion session between H.E. Koji Tsuruoka and Dr. Yonas Ashene

photoPhoto of the participants in front of the Institute of Diplomatic Studies in Djibouti

PAGE TOP

RSS FeedsRSS Feeds

Copyright © Japan International Cooperation Agency