As part of efforts to strengthen economic and development ties with Africa, the Japanese government will for the first time hold the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, TICAD VI, in Africa, with Kenya hosting the event next year. Japan’s Ambassador to Cameroon, His Excellency Kunio Okamura, disclosed this in Yaounde on December 1, 2015, at a reception to mark Japan’s National Day, being the 82 anniversary of Emperor Akihito.

The Ambassador restated the need for peace and security as prerequisites for growth and economic development, expressing his country’s solidarity with Cameroon’s efforts to secure its territory. He condemned Boko Haram attacks on innocent Cameroonians, disclosing that Japan, through United Nations aid agencies, has been providing support to take care of the refugees.

Talking about the challenges of climate change, the Japanese diplomat announced that his government is working on a strategy for “green growth” for Africa. In this light, Japan offers assistance to Cameroon in its efforts to protect the Congo Basin Forest. Other areas of Japanese assistance to Cameroon include agriculture, the development of Small and Medium-size Enterprises, potable water supply, training in fishing, road infrastructure and scientific research. His Excellency Kunio Okamura announced plans to strengthen sports links with Cameroon, given that Tokyo is to host the 2020 Olympic Games.

In addition to annual State scholarships, Japan for the first time this year selected some Cameroonian students for Master’s degree training and industrial attachment under the African Business Education programme. Over 30 Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA volunteers now serve in Cameroon, sharing their know-how and contributing to the country’s development. The 10th anniversary of JICA-Cameroon cooperation will be celebrated next year, Kunio Okamura disclosed.

The Ministry of External Relations was represented at the Japanese National Day reception by the Minister Delegate in charge of Relations with the Islamic World, Adoum Gargoum. Also in attendance were several cabinet ministers and national dignitaries. On display was rich traditional Japanese cuisine, accompanied by wine.