Japan-Chad Relations

On August 29, commencing at 1:45 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, in Yokohama, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Issa Doubragne, Minister of Economy and Development Planning of the Republic of Chad. The overview of the meeting is as follows. Dr. Doubragne, Minister of Economy and Development Planning, is visiting Japan to attend the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) held from August 28 to 30.

1. At the outset, Minister Kono expressed, “We welcome Minister Doubragne’s first visit to Japan as well as the first participation in TICAD. Japan is paying close attention to the Sahel region including Chad as shown by the holding of a special conference on the peace and stability in the Sahel region during this TICAD.” “We would like to use TICAD7 as an opportunity to further strengthen ties between the two countries with Minister Doubragne.” In response, Minister Doubragne expressed, “We would like to express gratitude for Japan for the hospitality at ongoing TICAD7. The relationship between Japan and the Republic of Chad is very close. We would like to deepen the bilateral relationship in both the political and economic fields.
2. Minister Kono stated that Japan attaches importance on its cooperation with Chad, a country which contributes to stability in the region, and that Japan will continue its initiatives aimed at improving the situation in the Lake Chad Basin. He also stated that Japan will support the efforts of the G5 Sahel, and expressed Japan’s intention to support counter-terrorism measures for promoting peace and stability in Chad as well as improvement of its food security. In response, Minister Doubragne appreciated Japan for its cooperation including human resource development, and stated that Chad requires high quality support from Japan. He expressed his intention to discuss with Japan to promote entry of Japanese companies to Chad and strengthen economic relations.
3. The two ministers also exchanged views regarding cooperation in the international arena.