By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations during high-level talks on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).
Foreign Minister Sering Modou Njie met with his Japanese counterpart, Iwaya Takeshi, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss areas of mutual interest and global challenges requiring joint action.
Minister Iwaya underscored Japan’s dedication to expanding its partnership with The Gambia, emphasizing shared democratic values and respect for the rule of law. He highlighted Japan’s readiness to support The Gambia in food security—through agricultural equipment and food aid—while also promoting digital education initiatives and introducing advanced food preservation technologies.
Minister Njie expressed gratitude for Japan’s long-standing cooperation and hospitality. He commended Tokyo’s consistent engagement with Banjul and voiced optimism about future public-private partnerships, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, water management, and healthcare.
Both ministers also pledged to strengthen collaboration on regional and global issues, including peace and security within the United Nations framework. Their discussions covered pressing concerns such as nuclear proliferation, missile threats, abductions, and other shared challenges. “The meeting underscored the deepening partnership between The Gambia and Japan, with a focus on advancing peace, stability, and prosperity,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted in a statement.