Leaders from Africa and Japan took an oath on Friday, May 30, to increase food production capacity immediately, setting the problem of escalating prices atop the agenda list of the G8 nations. At the conclusion of a three-day summit, Japan also announced that it has garnered support for its most important foreign policy, i.e. obtaining a permanent place on the United Nations Security Council, which is being obstructed due to pressure from China.   

 

In this summit held at Yokohama, Japan engaged in talks with 51 African nations, including 40 heads of state. All this is being held at a time when Japan’s capital Tokyo is all concerned because of other emerging economies, specifically China, inking a slew of business and political deals with Africa. Also in the backdrop is the looming crisis of rising global food costs that has set off food riots in few countries. 

 

Speaking on the international food crisis, Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda pointed out that there is an urgent need for the international community to address this issue in the near, medium and long term. Jakaya Kikwete, the Tanzanian President who is also the head of the African Union, said he hopes that this summit would help highlight Africa’s concerns at the impending G8 summit.  A joint declaration with African leaders spelled out Fukuda's call for Japan to help out in a goal of doubling the continent's rice production within 10 years.