Japan-Somalia Relations
Japan-Somalia Summit Meeting
August 31, 2019
Japan-Somalia Summit Meeting(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
On August 31, for about 15 minutes, from 2:20 p.m., Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a summit meeting with H. E. Mr. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmaajo,” President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The overview of the meeting is as follows. President Farmaajo participated in the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) which was held from August 28 to 30.
- At the outset, Prime Minister Abe remarked, “I welcome Your Excellency’s first visit to Japan. I appreciate the efforts towards peace and stability in the Horn of Africa made by President Farmaajo including the fight against terrorism and anti-piracy measures. Japan intends to support those efforts.” In response, President Farmaajo stated “I appreciate for your warm welcome. Please accept my gratitude for Japan’s assistance.” He also offered his congratulations on the success of the TICAD7.
- Following that, Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan will continue to work with Somalia to maintain and strengthen a free and open maritime order. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe appreciated the positive progress made in the Horn of Africa, and Somalia’s efforts in the fight against terrorism including the strengthening of Somali military after the size reduction of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops. In response, President Farmaajo offered his appreciation for Japan’s initiatives in the Horn of Africa, and expressed his hopes for Japan’s cooperation in the fields of fishery and maritime security.
- The two leaders also exchanged views regarding cooperation in the international arena, including UN Security Council reform, and the North Korea situation.