On 4 August, Hon. Kamikawa Yoko, Chair of JPFP, and Hon. Saito Tetsuo, Vice Chair, paid a courtesy call on Hon. Kunimitsu Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, to present a letter of request concerning budget increases in the field of population issues. Hon. Kamikawa emphasized the importance of international efforts to address population issues and reaffirmed the commitment to continuing initiatives on population-related challenges, which serve as an essential foundation for achieving sustainable development.

Hon. Kunimitsu expressed her appreciation for JPFP’s vigorous activities to date. She stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to address key issues in this field, including Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and women’s empowerment, with a view to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

Ms. Taniguchi Yuri, Chief of the Donor Relations and Fundraising Team (Asia/GoJ) at the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), who also attended the meeting, delivered a message on behalf of IPPF Director-General Maria Antonieta Alcalde Castro. She expressed sincere condolences to those affected by the Kumamoto Earthquake and conveyed deep appreciation for the lives saved through the generous support of the Government of Japan.