Japan-Madagascar Relations
Japan-Madagascar Summit Meeting
August 30, 2019
Japan-Madagascar Summit Meeting(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
On August 30, for about 15 minutes, from 10:25 am, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Andry Nirina Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar, in Yokohama, Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows. President Rajoelina is visiting Japan to participate in the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 7) held from August 28 to 30.
- At the outset, Prime Minister Abe stated, “The theme of TICAD7 is to promote business, and Japan is paying close attention to the potential of Madagascar underpinned by its abundant resources.” In response, President Rajoelina stated, “This is my first visit to Japan and I appreciate Japan’s warm welcome.” President Rajoelina welcomed the development of Japan-Madagascar relations.
- Following that, Prime Minister Abe referred to the Special Conference on Promoting Cooperation in the Western Indian Ocean and expressed his wish to work with Madagascar to develop a free and open Indian Ocean. Toward this aim, Prime Minister Abe announced Japan’s intention to support Madagascar’s measures against illegal fishing, development of the fishery industry, and connectivity enhancement. In addition, Prime Minister Abe requested support to promote Japanese companies’ entry into the country and also stated that Japan will dispatch a new agricultural expert with abundant experience to increase agricultural productivity in Madagascar. In response, President Rajoelina stated that Madagascar is the intersection of the oceans in Africa, Asia and Europe and maritime security is vital. The Presidnet also expressed gratitude for Japan’s support for developing Toamasina Port, while noting the importance of Blue Economy. The President expressed expectation for Japan’s support in the fields of maritime security, agriculture, electricity and water.
- The two leaders also exchanged views regarding cooperation in the international arena, including UN Security Council reform, and the North Korea situation.