From August 20 to 22, the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) was held in Yokohama. It was the first time in six years that TICAD took place in Japan. Professor Daisuke Matsunaga, Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Studies at our university, was appointed as an Adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, drawing on his experience as a former diplomat. In this role, he served as the Ambassador in charge of airport reception.

On the evening of August 17, he welcomed H.E. Abdullah Allafi, Vice President of the Presidential Council of Libya, who was the first delegate to arrive among all participating countries, at Haneda Airport. Then, on the evening of August 18, he welcomed H.E. Melaku Alebel, Minister of Industry of Ethiopia, at Narita Airport. Professor Matsunaga had previously served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ethiopia.

Finally, on the evening of August 19, His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)--the only monarch among the participating leaders--arrived at Haneda Airport aboard a special aircraft. Professor Matsunaga welcomed him at the foot of the aircraft stairs. (Unlike most other leaders who typically arrive on commercial flights and disembark via jet bridge, the King traveled on a private aircraft accompanied solely by his delegation. Upon landing, he descended via the aircraft stairs directly to waiting limousines and buses on the tarmac, and departed Haneda without entering the terminal building.)

According to Professor Matsunaga, he felt a little nervous before the King's arrival, as His Majesty was the only royal attending the conference. However, His Majesty King Mswati III, who stepped off, was wearing a broad smile. Approaching first with a friendly demeanor, the King was greeted by Professor Matsunaga with a firm handshake and the words, "Welcome to Japan," marking the start of His Majesty's visit.

Photographs and a summary of the meeting between His Majesty King Mswati III and Prime Minister Ishiba can be found at the following link (Ministry of Foreign Affairs website).
https://www.mofa.go.jp/afr/af2/sz/pageite_000001_01201.html