Japan-Zimbabwe Relations

On August 29, for about 20 minutes, commencing at 10:40 a.m., in Yokohama, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with Hon. Dr. Sibusiso Busi Moyo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe. The overview of the meeting is as follows. Dr. Moyo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, 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, “I welcome Your Excellency’s first visit to Japan. I would like to make the TICAD7 successful and further strengthen ties between the two countries. Japan places high hopes on the potential of Zimbabwe which has rich mineral resources and human resources with high level of education. Japan would like to provide support to the development of Zimbabwe.” In response, Minister Moyo expressed appreciation for the invitation to the TICAD7 and stated “The TICAD7 shows the strong commitment of Japan to Africa and Zimbabwe.”
2. Following that, Minister Kono expressed his condolences to all those who were affected by Cyclone Idai that occurred in March, and stated that Japan is providing support to facilitate early reconstruction. He also appreciated Zimbabwean government’s efforts toward political, economic, and social reforms. Moreover, Minister Kono expressed Japan’s intention to cooperate in health and food security areas, and requested to improve the environment to promote trade and investment between Japan and Zimbabwe. In response, Minister Moyo expressed appreciation for various assistance from Japan and hope for further development of bilateral relations in trade and investment.
3. The two ministers also exchanged views regarding cooperation in the international arena.