South African President Thabo Mbeki warned here Tuesday that the world should not focus so much on its anti-terrorism campaign as to forget about other crucial issues such as poverty.
Mbeki, who arrived here Monday on a three-day visit, said in a speech at the United Nations University in Tokyo that the world "has spoken with one voice" against the September 11 terror attacks in the United States.
He added, however: "We ... have to ensure that there is no possibility of these attacks creating negative consequences, whereby the development issues that we have been grappling with for decades, are sidelined to the margins of the global agenda."
The countries of the world must "simultaneously deal decisively with terrorism and effectively address and defeat poverty and underdevelopment," according to the speech partially carried by the Kyodo news agency.
However, in a joint communique issued Tuesday, Mbeki and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi denounced the attacks and promised to take "every possible measure" to back global efforts against terrorism.
The communique was issued a day after the two leaders held a summit meeting in Tokyo.
"President Mbeki and Prime Minister Koizumi strongly condemned the terrorist attacks, which were a grave challenge to freedom, peace and democracy," the statement said.
"Both countries emphasised that the international community needs to stand firmly together against terrorism and also confirmed that they are ready to take every possible measure for this purpose," it said.
In a banquet hosted by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko later at the Imperial Palace, Mbeki called for solidarity against terrorism which he said hampers global efforts toward lasting peace and stability and the elimination of poverty.
The banquet was attended by 130 guests, including Crown Prince Naruhito and Princess Michiko as well as Koizumi.
In a speech, the emperor said he wished to pay respect to South Africa's new start and Mbeki's earnest determination to contribute to the international community.
In the comminuque, Koizumi underscored his support for African efforts to fight poverty in the continent, but stopped short of unveiling any fresh assistance.
"There will be no stability and prosperity in the world in the 21st century unless the problems of Africa are resolved," Koizumi said.
"The problem of Africa is one of the most important issues for our global foreign policy."
Koizumi said he would uphold Japan's commitment to Africa, made by his predecessor Yoshiro Mori in Johannesburg last January. Mori pledged in a speech there that Japan wished to help Africa with economic development and refugee problems.
Koizumi supported the South African-initiated New Africa Initiative (NAI), a rescue plan drafted by African countries to help the continent.
"Japan expressed its intention to actively support this initiative," the communique said.
On other global issues, the two agreed to work together to launch a new round of the World Trade Organisation during a meeting in Qatar next month and successfully conclude a global warming accord.
In the communique, Mbeki renewed an invitation to Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko as well as Koizumi to his country. |
