Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo has commended Japan for its continued support towards Malawi’s development.
Speaking at Japanese Embassy in Lilongwe on Friday during Emperor Naruhito’s 65th birthday celebrations, the minister said Japan has supported various infrastructural projects including the Kamuzu International Airport, the expansion of Tedzani Hydro Power Station, and the upgrading of electricity substations in Lilongwe Old Town to connect 79 000 new customers.
Said Tembo: “As we look ahead, we are committed to deepening our collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, science and technology and human resource development.
“We believe that by leveraging our strengths and exploring new opportunities, we can create a future that benefits both our nations and peoples.”
In his remarks, Japanese Ambassador Yoichi Oya said his country has enjoyed good bilateral relations with Malawi for the past 60 years, highlighting that Japan is keen to deepen relations and co-create innovative solutions for Africa’s challenges at the upcoming Tokyo International Conference on African Development (Ticad-9) and the 2025 Expo, both scheduled to take place in Japan later this year.
He said the guiding principles of development efforts under the Ticad processes are African ownership and international partnership, which sets the tone for co-creation.
“On the other hand, human security, resilience and inclusiveness are also an integral part of the Ticad process. Consequently, the summit talks will encompass regional peace and stability to safeguard human dignity and human security, which is fundamental for development but is under threat with the ongoing conflicts in Africa and the world over,” said Oya.
The World Expo is set to be held in Osaka from April 13 to October 13 and is projected to attract 28.2 million visitors, while the Ticad-9 is scheduled to take place in Yokohama in August this year.
