Japan-Senegal Relations
Japan-Senegal Foreign Ministers' Meeting
April 29, 2025
On April 29, commencing at 10:00 a.m. (local time) (7:00 p.m. JST) for approximately 60 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting the Republic of Senegal, held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mrs. Yassine Fall, Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Senegal. Following the bilateral meeting, commencing at 1:05 p.m. (local time) (10:05 p.m. JST), Minister Iwaya attended a lunch hosted by Minister Fall. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Iwaya stated that he was delighted to visit Senegal as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan in this year marking the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Senegal, and expressed his intention to further strengthen bilateral relations through measures such as enhancing economic ties with Senegal, a stable country in West Africa, promoting cooperation for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) to be held in Yokohama in August this year, and the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games to be hosted by Senegal.
- In response, Minister Fall welcomed Minister Iwaya’s visit to Senegal and expressed his appreciation for Japan's long-standing supports in various fields, particularly in human resources development. She also stated her desire to further strengthen bilateral relations with Japan, a partner country of Senegal, in various fields such as economy, technology, and efforts to achieve African priorities through TICAD 9.
- Minister Iwaya stated that through the Senegal-Japan Vocatonal and Technical Training Center (CFPT-SJ), which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, Japan will contribute to the realisation of the Senegalese government's vision for change, ‘Senegal 2050’, and will also contribute to the independent development of industry in West Africa through human resources development, with Senegal as a base. The two Ministers also confirmed strengthening of cooperation in various fields, including education, agriculture, and demining.
- In addition, Minister Iwaya mentioned the increase in the number of Japanese companies operating in Senegal and expressed his hope that TICAD 9 and the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, would serve as catalysts for further expansion of trade and investment between the two countries. In this regard, he also expressed his expectation that the business environment would be continuously improved, including ensuring transparency and stability in economic policies. In addition, Minister Iwaya expressed his hope that Senegal would participate in GREEN×EXPO 2027, which will be held in Yokohama in 2027.
- Through the meeting and lunch, the two Ministers exchanged views on issues such as the situation in the Sahel, and the situation in East Asia, including response to the North Korea’s nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue. They also agreed to closely coordinate their responses to various issues facing the international community, including United Nations Security Council reform, and confirmed that the two countries are strategically important partners that share values such as democracy and the rule of law.