Japan-Côte d'Ivoire Relations
Foreign Minister Kamikawa’s meeting with Japanese Nationals and Representatives of Japanese Companies in Côte d’Ivoire
April 29, 2024
On April 29, commencing at 2:30 p.m. (local time)(11:30 p.m. JST) for approximately 45 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, held a meeting with Japanese Nationals and Representatives of Japanese Companies in Côte d’Ivoire.
- Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan attaches great importance to Côte d'Ivoire as a gateway to the Francophone region of West Africa, and that the current friendly relations between the two countries are the result of efforts made by many parties in various fields. Minister Kamikawa explained that a purpose of this visit was strengthening of the economic relationship with Côte d'Ivoire and that both countries confirmed on the co-organization of the JapanAfrica Public-Private Economic Forum.
- Minister Kamikawa expressed her hope that the Center for the Promotion of Japanese Language and Studies, which was established with assistance from Japan in the Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, brings young ivorians oppertunities for improving their Japanese language skill and leads to their capacity-building to contribute to the business. Minister Kamikawa also stated that she has confirmed, through this visit, the potential to develop Japanese initiative from “dot” level to “surface”, by the efforts to construct a regional hub. Furthermore, Minister Kamikawa stated she has announced to assign officials in charge of cross-border economic affairs in order to assist Japanese companies at a new level. She invited Japanese companies to make use of the officials.
- Minister Kamikawa expressed her will to promote private-public partnership effectively towards TICAD9 in order to bring out powers of women and young generation, within not only big companies but also startups. In response, participants explained about economic situation in Côte d'Ivoire and its forecast, potentials of economic cooperation between Japan and Côte d'Ivoire, and women’s activities, and a lively exchange of views followed.