Press Releases
Japan-Cameroon Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
August 21, 2025
On August 21, commencing at 6:25 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E.Mr. Lejeune MBELLA MBELLA, Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Cameroon, who is visiting Japan to participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). The overview of the meeting is as follows:
- At the outset, Minister Iwaya stated that he was delighted that Oita Prefecture and Cameroon have fostered a special relationship, which began when the Cameroon national team camped in Oita Prefecture during 2002 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Japan and the Republic of Korea. In addition, Minister Iwaya stated that Cameroon is a driving force of the Central African economy, accounting for 40% of the GDP of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), and expressed his desire to support the country, which is key to regional economic integration. In response, Minister Mbella Mbella stated that Oita Prefecture is an important friend to Cameroon. In addition, Minister Mbella Mbella expressed his high appreciation for Japan’s efforts in TICAD to date and stated his desire to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in the international arena.
- Following that, Minister Iwaya mentioned Japan’s support for rice cultivation and fisheries promotion, as well as food assistance, and stated that Japan will continue to cooperate with Cameroon in strengthening its industries and ensuring food security. Minister Iwaya also congratulated Cameroon on the success of the International Conference on the Blue Economy in the Gulf of Guinea held in Cameroon and stated that Japan is supporting efforts to strengthen maritime law enforcement capabilities in the coastal regions of the Gulf of Guinea. In response, Minister Mbella Mbella expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support in the economic, social, and humanitarian fields, including education, agriculture, fisheries, and refugee assistance, and expressed his desire for further promotion of investment by Japanese companies in Cameroon and further expansion of cooperation in various fields.
- Both Ministers concurred in closely working together to respond to various international challenges.