Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has arrived in Egypt for summit talks with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

A government plane carrying the prime minister landed in Cairo on Saturday evening.

Egypt is the first leg of his four-nation Africa tour. This is Kishida's first trip to the region since he took office in October 2021. The trip comes before this year's Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima in May.

Kishida and el-Sisi are expected to discuss Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Kishida intends to make it clear that Japan is committed to maintaining and strengthening the international order based on the rule of law.

Kishida will also exchange views with el-Sisi about regional issues, such as the military conflict between the armed forces and a paramilitary group in neighboring Sudan.

The leaders are also expected to discuss ways to boost investment and trade between Japan and Egypt. Kishida is calling for more cooperation with the emerging and developing nations collectively known as the Global South.

The leaders are scheduled to hold a joint news conference after the summit.

After Egypt, Kishida will visit Ghana, Kenya and Mozambique during his seven-day trip. He will also make a stop in Singapore on his way back to Japan.