Press Releases

On August 4, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Onishi had a meeting with Mr. Mohamed Raied, President of the Libyan Chamber of Commerce, in Misrata, Mr. Raied’s hometown. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI referred to the activities of Japanese companies in the Misrata Free Zone and, recognizing the growing interest of Japanese businesses in Libya, asked for support for Japanese companies seeking to enter the market. He also expressed his hope for further development of bilateral economic relations. In response, President Raied pointed out that Misrata maintains a stable security situation and provides a favorable environment for Japanese companies to enter the market. He expressed his intention to support Japanese companies in entering the Misrata Economic Zone. Furthermore, President Raied expressed his hope for cooperation from Japan not only in business expansion, but also in the fields of education, training, and technology.

On August 5 in Tripoli, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI had a meeting with Mr. ELHASSAN Mohamed Rabha, Deputy Minister for Asian and Australian Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI highlighted the long-standing friendship between Japan and Libya, noting that next year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and expressed Japan’s support for Libya’s efforts toward peace and stability. He also mentioned the increased interest of Japanese companies in Libya following the Libyan economic delegation’s visit to Japan in July and explained that the security situation in Libya remains a major consideration for Japanese companies when entering the Libyan market. He expressed his hope that Libya will make further efforts to maintain and further enhance security and stability. In response, Mr. Elhassan expressed condolences and solidarity regarding the earthquake centered in Kumamoto, and conveyed appreciation for Japan’s support following the disaster that struck Libya two years ago. He noted that the increased exchanges of high-level officials, such as Parliamentary Vice-Minister Onishi’s visit to Libya and the Libyan delegation’s visit to Japan in July, are of great significance for bilateral relations. Deputy Minister Hassan also remarked that the 2nd Japan-Libya Economic Forum held last month was an important and valuable opportunity to directly communicate investment opportunities and the current situation in Libya to representatives of Japanese companies. He expressed his hope that, seizing this momentum, Japanese companies with advanced technology and expertise will expand their presence in Libya and cooperate in a wide range of fields, including disaster reconstruction, energy, sanitation, healthcare, and education. Both sides agreed that bilateral cooperation has entered a new phase and confirmed their commitment to continue dialogue and strengthen close collaboration toward the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year.

On August 5, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Onishi held meetings with Mr. HISHAM Abu Wadhan, Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI referred to the achievements of the Libyan economic delegation’s visit to Japan in July and expressed Japan’s intention to further strengthen economic relations, including the possibility of trilateral cooperation among Japan, Libya, and Egypt, to support Japanese companies’ entry into the Libyan market.
Mr. Hisham expressed his appreciation for the delegation’s visit to Japan last month and, noting the positive momentum generated through the economic forum and business meetings with Japanese companies, stated his intention to hold the 3rd Japan-Libya Economic Forum in Libya and to further expand bilateral economic exchange and cooperation, including the entry of Japanese companies into the Libyan market. He also mentioned support for Japanese companies regarding investment procedures and the business environment in Libya, and addressed concerns about security, noting that the security situation in major cities such as Benghazi, Tripoli, and Misrata remains stable. He expressed his hope for deepening cooperation with Japan.

On August 5, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs ONISHI held meetings with Mr. Jibril ASHTEWI, Director of the Minister's Office, Ministry of Defense, and Mr. Abubakr Raffa, Director of the Deputy Minister's Office, Ministry of Defense. Parliamentary Vice-Minister Onishi welcomed the opportunity to meet with Mr. Abubakr again following his visit to Japan in May, and expressed his hope for further progress in Libya's unification process, as well as for enhanced exchanges between Japan and Libya in various fields, including maritime security.
In response, Mr. Ashtewi expressed his gratitude, noting that Parliamentary Vice-Minister Onishi’s visit to Libya is an extremely important opportunity to develop bilateral relations with Japan, which holds an internationally significant position and possesses advanced technology. He explained that the process toward unifying Libya under a single government is steadily progressing, and that the security situation is stabilizing as a result. He also conveyed his appreciation for the visit of the economic delegation and the holding of the economic forum in July. Based on the long-standing friendship between the two countries, he stated his desire to continue close dialogue and further strengthen bilateral cooperation in a wide range of fields, including disaster response and maritime rescue.

On August 4, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI visited the Misrata Free Zone, where the Japanese company i s operating, and received a briefing on support for Japanese business activities.