Press Releases

(1) Courtesy calls and meeting with dignitaries
On June 24, State Minister Miyaji paid courtesy visits to H.E. Mr. Ferdinand NGOH NGOH, Minister of State, Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon, and H.E. Mr. Joseph Dion NGUTE, Prime Minister of the Republic of Cameroon, and held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Félix MBAYU, Minister delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of Relations with the Commonwealth of the Republic of Cameroon.
During the courtesy calls and the meeting, State Minister Miyaji stated that TICAD 9, to be held in Yokohama in August this year, would be an opportunity to co-create solutions that will lead to the prosperity of both Japan and Africa, while utilizing Japanese technology and knowledge under the theme of "Co-create Innovative Solutions", and in particular, focusing on (1) private sector-led sustainable growth, (2) youth and women, and (3) regional integration and connectivity within and beyond the region, and requested high-level participation in TICAD 9. The dignitaries of Cameroon expressed their appreciation for Japan's leadership in Africa's development, as Japan, initiating TICAD in 1993, was one of the first countries which started international conference on African development, and their gratitude for Japan's cooperation to date, especially in the areas of infrastructure and education.
Through the courtesy calls and meeting, State Minister Miyaji and these dignitaries also exchanged views including on the regional situation in Africa, strengthening of the functions of the United Nations including Security Council reform, and North Korea’s nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue.
Furthermore, through these exchanges, they confirmed that they would take the opportunities of TICAD 9 and the ongoing Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan to further strengthen bilateral relations, including economic relations.

(1) Courtesy calls and meeting with dignitaries
On June 26, State Minister Miyaji paid courtesy visits to H.E. Ms. Mariam CHABI TALATA ZIME YERIMA, Vice President of the Republic of Benin, H.E. Mr. Olushegun AJADI BAKARI, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin, and H.E. Mr. Romuald WADAGNI, Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Benin. Foreign Minister AJADI BAKARI also held a dinner in honor of State Minister Miyaji.
During the courtesy calls, State Minister Miyaji stated that TICAD 9, to be held in Yokohama in August this year, would be an opportunity to co-create solutions that will lead to the prosperity of both Japan and Africa, while utilizing Japanese technology and knowledge under the theme of "Co-create Innovative Solutions", and in particular focusing on (1) private sector-led sustainable growth, (2) youth and women, and (3) regional integration and connectivity within and beyond the region, and requested high-level participation in TICAD 9. Beninese dignitaries expressed their appreciation for Japan's cooperation in a wide range of areas, including infrastructure, and expressed their hope for further cooperation.
During the courtesy call on Foreign Minister Ajadi Bakari, they also exchanged views including on the regional situation in Africa, strengthening of the functions of the United Nations including Security Council reform, and North Korea’s nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue.
Furthermore, through these exchanges, they confirmed that they would take the opportunities of TICAD 9 and the ongoing Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan to further strengthen bilateral relations, including economic relations.

(2) Exchange of views with former Japanese Government scholarship recipients and former JICA trainees, as well as with Japanese residents in Benin
On June 26, State Minister Miyaji met with former Japanese Government scholarship recipients and former JICA trainees to acknowledge the results of their training in Japan and to exchange views on issues and prospects for economic development in Benin. He also exchanged opinions with Japanese residents who are active in various fields in Benin on the current situation, future challenges and prospects for business development and cooperation in Benin.