Japan-Liberia Relations
Japan- Liberia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
August 28, 2022
On August 28, commencing at around 11:20 a.m. (local time; same day, around 07:20 p.m. JST) for approximately 35 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Tunisia to attend the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 8), held a Foreign Ministers’ meeting with H.E. Mr. Dee-Maxwell Saah KEMAYAH, Sr., Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi expressed his gratitude to Minister Kemayah for his participation in TICAD 8. Minister Hayashi stated that the Japan Freeway, completed last year, is a symbol of the friendly relationship between Japan and Liberia and that Japan will continue to consider cooperation in the field of transportation infrastructure that aims to drive Liberia's development. In response, Minister Kemayah expressed his condolences to former Prime Minister Abe, and Minister Hayashi expressed his gratitude. Minister Kemayah then, recognizing Japan's actions through TICAD to date, expressed his appreciation for Japan's extensive support, including the Japan Freeway, and for the initiatives expressed by Prime Minister Kishida at TICAD 8. Both ministers confirmed to work for further development of bilateral relations based on the outcome of TICAD 8.
- Minister Hayashi then stated that it is essential for the international community to cooperate in its response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and that Japan intends to continue contributing to strengthening food security in Africa. In response, Minister Kemayah stated that he appreciates the support from Japan for food security in Africa, and that he hopes to continue to cooperate with Japan. Minister Hayashi also raised the importance of transparency and fairness of development finance and the two sides confirmed to cooperate with each other.
- Furthermore, the two sides shared the view to continue to work together in responding to regional and international issues, such as North Korea, including on the nuclear, missile, and abductions issues and strengthening of the functions of the United Nations as a whole, including the Security Council reform. They also confirmed to coordinate to maintain and strengthen the NPT regime following the recent NPT Review Conference.