Sunday, June 02, 2013
The Japanese government will extend assistance towards the reconstruction of Somalia, including the support for the Somali Police Force”, the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Friday at the special Japan-Somalia Conference ahead of the official commencement of the fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V).
In an earlier meeting with the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Prime Minister Abe expressed delight at the first Japan-Somalia meeting in 21 years, saying it was a strong indication towards strengthening their bilateral relationships.
Prime Minister Abe also expressed his hope for development both in Africa and Japan at the TICAD V, which is being held in the year which marks the 50th anniversary of the African Union (AU) and the 20th anniversary of the TICAD.
“We are willing to support Somalia’s efforts as the stability and development of Somalia is vital to the prosperity of the region as well as the international community. We will resume bilateral direct assistance to Somalia, starting with the training of senior Somalia government officials to Japan for training”, he said.
President Mohamud expressed gratitude for Japan’s 22-year support for Somalia. He said human resource expertise was highly needed in his country in areas such as health, education, agriculture and public security.
“We are looking forward to your co-operation to promote reconstruction and attainment of peace in Somalia”, he said.
Source: Oye Times