region’s stability. While the countries of the Middle East, consisting of both oil-producing countries and less-developed countries, represent a diverse range of economic conditions, the training of domestic engineers and other human resources stands as a critical challenge in the strategies for economic diversification and development of non-petroleum sectors.

In light of the above, Japan will provide assistance and support while emphasizing the following points.

(1) Japan will provide support for the Middle East peace process (through assistance to the Palestinians as well as to neighboring Arab countries and support for initiatives related to multilateral negotiations).

(2) In relatively low-income countries, Japan will provide support for social and economic infrastructure development, including agricultural and water-resources development.

(3) In the relatively high-income Gulf states, Japan will provide technical cooperation for the training and education of domestic engineers for the achievement of economic diversification and the development of non-petroleum sectors and provide appropriate support for the development of a favorable environment for attracting foreign investment.

(4) Japan will provide support for environmental conservation measures in relatively high-income countries and other countries as well.

### 5. Africa

Various favorable developments have been witnessed in Africa during recent years. These include moves toward democratization, greater stability in southern Africa, and a growing number of countries enjoying steady economic growth. However, numerous African countries continue to face serious problems that hamper their development. These include exclusion from the process of economic globalization, local conflicts, and the spread of AIDS. The majority of African countries are LLDCs, and many are heavily indebted poor countries. It is widely acknowledged that support for efforts toward the resolution of the problems of Africa calls for a concerted international effort.

Japan is committed to reinforcing this awareness and to working toward the establishment of international partnerships to support the self-help efforts of African nations. For this purpose, Japan, in collaboration with the United Nations and other organizations, hosted the Second Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD II) in Tokyo in October 1998.

Based on the policies enunciated in the Development Partnership Strategy, TICAD II produced the “Tokyo Agenda for Action,” featuring a commitment to developing the self-reliance of African countries, strengthening cooperation and coordination with the industrial countries and international organizations, and promoting Asian-African cooperation. Henceforth, it is the responsibility of both African countries and the international community to act on the “Tokyo Agenda for Action” and realize its goals. It is important for Japan to coordinate its assistance efforts with international initiatives, such as the Special Program of Assistance for Africa (SPA) which the World Bank and other donors are promoting.

In light of the above, Japan will provide assistance and support while emphasizing the following points.

(1) Japan will provide support for poverty alleviation, social development $ ^{29} $ , and the countering of desertification.

(2) Japan will provide support for human resources development and capacity building