MUNICH Kyodo Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida expressed concern on Monday with Senegalese President Macky Sall over the suffering in Africa due to Russia's aggression in Ukraine, emphasizing the invasion's role in causing a global food crisis.
During the bilateral talks in southern Germany on the fringes of the Group of Seven summit, Sall said dialogue is important to bring an end to the war and measures are needed to address its negative effects in Africa.
The Senegalese president expressed gratitude for Japanese support on various fronts including public health.
The two leaders agreed to work closely toward a successful international conference on African development, known as TICAD, which is scheduled to be held in Tunisia in late August.
Sall, who serves as chair of the African Union, had previously blamed Western sanctions for the food crisis, in line with a claim made by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Senegal was invited to be part of the G-7 summit, which brings together the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States.