Japan-Senegal Relations
Foreign Minister IWAYA’s Courtesy call on President FAYE of the Republic of Senegal
April 29, 2025
On April 29, commencing at 4:10 p.m. (local time)(April 30, 1:10 a.m. JST) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting the Republic of Senegal, paid a courtesy call on H. E. Mr. Bassirou Diomaye FAYE, President of the Republic of Senegal. 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, 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. On this occasion, Minister Iwaya handed over the TICAD 9 invitation letter from Prime Minister Ishiba to President Faye and invited him to TICAD 9.
- In response, President Faye 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. Besides, he stated his will to further strengthen bilateral relationship with Japan including enhancement of cooperation in the field of economy such as expansion of investment from Japan to Senegal. President Faye also indicated that he will attend TICAD 9.
- Minister Iwaya stated that in the context of Senegal's announcement of ‘Senegal 2050,’ which focuses on strengthening governance, human capital, sustainable development and competitiveness, Japan would like to reignforce cooperations with Senegal through the Senegal-Japan Vocatonal and Technical Training Center (CFPT-SJ), which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. Both sides 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 shared his expectation that both TICAD 9 and the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, would also work as catalysts for further expansion of trade and investment between the two countries.
- During the courtesy call, both sides confirmed that the two countries are strategically important partners who share values such as democracy and the rule of law.