Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio will embark on a tour of Africa starting this weekend. The seven-day trip includes visits to Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and Mozambique.

It's part of Japan's efforts to build momentum for the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima next month.

This will be Kishida's first trip to Africa since taking office in October 2021.

Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and Mozambique are part of an increasingly influential group of nations known as the Global South.

Many have taken a neutral stance on the conflict in Ukraine and distanced themselves from industrialized nations on issues including climate change.

Kishida is keen to emphasize Japan's ties with the Global South, especially in areas such as food and energy.

He also plans to stress his determination to maintain the international order in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and China's increasingly assertive behavior.

Kishida will also fly to Singapore before returning to Japan.

Saturday will also see Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa fly to Latin America. The tour includes visits to Peru and Chile.

Hayashi plans to discuss ways to boost cooperation in areas such as mineral resources.