Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
ZIMBABWE and Japanese relations continue to be elevated after a bilateral engagement between the two countries’ delegations on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), which kicked off in Yokohama this Wednesday.
A high-level engagement between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, on the sidelines of the 9th TICAD is expected to unlock funding opportunities and widen areas of cooperation.
The engagement centred on deepening bilateral ties in infrastructure development, climate change, sustainable agriculture, and power generation.
President Mnangagwa told journalists that continuous engagement with Japanese officials strengthens the existing bilateral relations.
“As you are aware, we are happy to have met again after some time. The relations between Zimbabwe and Japan continue to strengthen, and this incident also confirms the warmth of relations between Zimbabwe and Japan. I do not doubt that when we meet later, we shall go into more extensive and comprehensive discussions of our relations,” he said.
Zimbabwe is eyeing a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, with President Mnangagwa indicating Japan is willing to support the country’s bid.
“I have no doubt, considering the warm relations that exist between the two countries, I do not see any constraint that would prevent them from supporting our bid,” he added.
Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term has already been endorsed by both the SADC and the African Union and will be amplified at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly set for next month.
Meanwhile, the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development officially kicked off in Yokohama, with the Japanese Prime Minister emphasising the importance of partnerships in fostering development.
African Union Chairperson João Lourenço, who is also the Angolan President, attended the official opening together with other heads of state and government.
