Japan-Senegal Relations

On August 29, for about 20 minutes, from around 4:05 pm, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, in Yokohama, Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows. President Sall is visiting Japan to participate in the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) held from August 28 to 30.

1. At the outset, Prime Minister Abe stated, “I appreciate Your Excellency’s cooperation at the G20 Summit,” and referred to his expectation for Senegal’s roles as a key member of West African economies. Prime Minister Abe also commended Senegal’s leading role in securing the peace and stability of the region. In response, President Sall stated, “Senegal congratulates His Majesty the Emperor’s enthronement and commencement of the new era Reiwa,” and referred to his appreciation for Japan’s contribution through TICAD to date. 
2. Following that, Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan expects to further deepen the relationship between Japan and Senegal, which will soon celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Abe also expressed Japan’s intention to strengthen the function of the Senegal-Japan Vocational and Technical Training Center (CFPT), with a view to increasing employment opportunities for young people. In addition, Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan would promote universal health coverage (UHC) in Senegal under the Africa Health and Wellbeing Initiative, and further support Japanese companies’ entry into the country by establishing the Japan-Senegal Economic Committee to enhance trade and investment relations. In response, President Sall expressed his gratitude for assistance provided by Japan in such areas as UHC and vocational training thus far, and revealed his expectation for cooperation from Japan towards Dakar Forum and cooperation in the following areas: agriculture, fishery, and water-related issues.
3. The two leaders also exchanged views regarding cooperation in the international arena, including UN Security Council reform, and the North Korea situation.