Press Releases

1. On April 20, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI delivered a speech on behalf of the Government of Japan at the opening ceremony of the 10th Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa, alongside H.E. Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, H.E. Mr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and H.E. Mr. Mahamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
2. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI stated that while Africa is drawing growing international attention due to its significant growth potential, it also a region grappling with political instability, conflicts, terrorism, and violent extremism. He noted that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the deteriorating situation in the Middle East are having adverse effects on the socioeconomic conditions of African countries. He emphasized that the construction of peaceful and stable societies is indispensable for Africa to fully realize its potential, sustain economic growth and regional integration, and achieve further development.
   He also introduced the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” which seeks to uphold freedom and the rule of law, maintain and strengthen an international order based on diversity and inclusiveness, and ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and globally. He stressed that, in an international environment marked by increasing uncertainty, the importance of the FOIP concept is even more pronounced.

On April 20 , Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal.
Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI stated that there is growing momentum to strengthen bilateral relations between Japan and Senegal, as evidenced by President Faye’s visit to Japan for TICAD 9 and Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai last August. He expressed his pleasure at being able to visit Senegal under such favorable circumstances, and conveyed Japan’s intention to further strengthen cooperation in order to further enhance bilateral relations as strategically important partners.”
In response, President Faye expressed his appreciation for Japan’s support for the Dakar International Forum, as well as for Japan’s development cooperation aligned with Senegal’s key national policies.
Both sides concurred on the importance of futher strengthening bilateral relations.

On April 20, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI attended a luncheon hosted by H.E. Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister of the Republic of Senegal, during which they exchanged views.
Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI referred to Japan’s effort in demining activities in the Casamance region and expressed Japan’s intention to continue supporting the region’s development.
Prime Minister Sonko expressed his appreciation for Japan’s support, including its assistance in the Casamance region.
Both sides concurred on the importance of further developing bilateral relations.

On April 20, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Cheikh Niang, Minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad of the Republic of Senegal.
Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI stated that, there is growing momentum to strengthen bilateral relations as evidenced by former Foreign Minister IWAYA’s visit to Senegal in April last year, President Faye and his delegation’s visit to Japan on the occasion of TICAD 9 and Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai in August last year, as well as his own visit to Senegal. He expressed his intention to further strengthen cooperation, particularly by promoting investment and business that bring mutual benefits, in order to enhance bilateral relations as “strategically important partners.”
In response, Foreign Minister Niang stated that Japan has long been an important partner for Senegal and expressed his respect for Japan’s initiatives under the TICAD framework, as well as gratitude for Japan’s longstanding support.
Both sides concurred on strengthening cooperation across a wide range of fields, including business.

On April 20, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Morissanda Kouyaté, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Guineans Abroad of the Republic of Guinea.
Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI congratulated Guinea on the peaceful conduct of its presidential election at the end of last year and on the establishment of a new government under Prisident Doumbouya. He also welcomed Guinea’s return to the international community, including the AU and the ECOWAS, and expressed his hope for further progress in the transition to civilian rule.
In response, Foreign Minister Kouyaté expressed his appreciation for Japan’s longstanding support since Guinea’s independence.
Both sides concurred on the importance of strengthening their cooperative relationship.

On April 20, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI held a meeting with H.E. Ms. Shama Obaed Islam, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of People’s Repbulic of Bangladesh.
State Minister Obaed referred to the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries and expressed her gratitude for Japan’s support and investment.
Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI congratulated Bangladesh on the peaceful general election held in February this year and on the formation of a new government. He also noted that Japan has consistently supported Bangladesh’s nation-building since its independence and emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations.
Both sides concurred on the importance of strengthening bilateral relations.

1. On April 20 and 21, Vice-Minister ONISHI exchanged views with JICA personnel, Japanese staff working for international organizations, and representatives of Japanese companies operating in Senegal.
2. On April 21, he visited the Senegal-Japan Vocational Training Center (CFPT) and the National School for Social Development and Public Health (ENDSS), where he received briefings from relevant officials. He also visted the construction site of the Mamelles seawater desalination plant.