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Sunday August 25, 2024
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Somalia's Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi (left) shakes hands with Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa (right) during their meeting on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Nairobi, Kenya, on August 24, 2024. The ministers discussed strengthening bilateral relations, focusing on security, peace, and economic cooperation. CREDIT / SONNA
TOKYO, Japan (HOL) — Japan and Somalia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and tackling shared challenges during a high-level meeting between their foreign ministers on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama on August 24.
Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa met with Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi for a 20-minute discussion. Minister Kamikawa began by expressing her deep condolences for the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Mogadishu and strongly condemned all forms of terrorism. She reiterated Japan's commitment to closely collaborate with Somalia, which will begin its term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) next year.
"Minister Kamikawa stated that she would like to work closely with Somalia, which will be a non-permanent member of the Security Council (UNSC) for two years from next year, while sharing Japan's knowledge," according to the official press release.
Minister Fiqi, in turn, thanked Japan for its ongoing support and highlighted the importance of further strengthening the positive relationship between the two countries. He emphasized Somalia's expectation for continued cooperation with Japan to ensure peace and stability in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa region.
The TICAD Ministerial Meeting began on August 24 and brought together ministers from 40 African nations. Discussions have centred on critical issues such as health, climate change, and business environment improvement. The conference will conclude with a joint statement on Sunday, outlining the collective commitments of Japan and African nations as they work toward a brighter future for the continent.
"We, Japan and African countries, want to build up innovative solutions to be shared with the world," Kamikawa said during the opening ceremony, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the conference.