Japan–Somalia relations

Japan–Somalia relations (Somali: Xiriirka Jabaan-Soomaaliya) are bilateral relations between Japan and Somalia.

Japan–Somalia relations

Japan
Somalia

History

Diplomatic ties between Japan and Somalia were first established in 1960, concurrent with the Somali Republic's independence. In 1982, the Somali government established an embassy in Tokyo. It later closed down in 1990.[1]

Following the start of the civil war in Somalia in 1991, the Japanese authorities pledged development funds through various international organizations.[2] The subsequent establishment of the Federal Government of Somalia in August 2012 was welcomed by the Japanese authorities, who re-affirmed Japan's support for Somalia's government, its territorial integrity and sovereignty.[3]

In 2013, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also announced that Japan would resume direct assistance to Somalia, particularly in the areas of security, industrial development, and bilateral trade and investment.[2]

Agreements

In March 2014, President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and a Somali government delegation including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdirahman Duale Beyle, Minister of Planning Said Abdullahi Mohamed and Minister of Public Works and Reconstruction Nadifo Mohamed Osman made a four-day visit to Tokyo, where they met with Ambassador Tatsushi Terada and other senior Japanese government officials. President Mohamud and his delegation also conferred with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to discuss strengthening bilateral relations, and capacity training for Somali livestock and agricultural development professionals. Mohamud likewise met with Emperor Akihito,[4] as well as with leaders of the Nippon Foundation, where they discussed project proposals in the agriculture, fisheries, marine resources and livestock sectors. Following a visit to the Japanese Coast Guard center and the Port of Yokohama, Mohamud requested Japanese assistance in development initiatives earmarked for Somalia's coastline. He also recommended at a gathering before the Japan National Press Club that Japanese investments in education should be refocused towards youth vocational education centres to ensure sustainability.[5] The visit concluded with an announcement by Japanese Prime Minister Abe that his administration would put forth a $40 million funding package for the rehabilitation of Somalia's police forces, relief services, and job creation opportunities.[6] The Japanese Speaker of Parliament Masaaki Yamasaki also pledged that his government would help reconstruct the Somali parliamentary compound, the People's Mansion, in Mogadishu.[7] Mohamud commended the Japanese government for intensifying its bilateral support, and suggested that the development initiatives would be centered on vocational training for youth and women, maritime and fisheries training, fisheries and agricultural infrastructure development, and communication and information technology support.[6]

Diplomatic missions

Japan maintains a diplomatic mission for Somalia through its non-resident embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.[8]

In January 2014, Japan appointed Tatsushi Terada as the new Japanese Ambassador to Somalia,[9] replacing Atoshisa Takata.[10] Ambassador Terada concurrently presented his credentials to the Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at a ceremony in Mogadishu.[9]

See also

References
  1. "Japan-Somalia Relations (Basic Data)". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  2. "Japan to resume direct aid to Somalia". Sabahi. 31 May 2013. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  3. "Communiqué on Secretary-General's Mini-Summit on Somalia". United Nations. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
  4. "Somalia: Pres Hassan Sheikh - "We Are Here in Japan to Strengthen Bilateral Relations". 12 March 2014. Retrieved 12 March 2014.
  5. "Mohamud seeks Japan's assistance in anti-piracy, marine development". Sabahi. 13 March 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  6. "Japan Pledges $40m for Humanitarian Assistance to Somalia". Horseed Media. 13 March 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  7. "Somali President: We asked Japanese parliament to rebuild People's Manson in Mogadishu". Hiiraan Online. 13 March 2014. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  8. "Embassy Addresses, Africa". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  9. "Japan's Ambassador to Somalia presents his credentials to the President". SomaliCurrent. 19 January 2014. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2014.
  10. "Foreign Embassies in Somalia". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Archived from the original on 11 November 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2014.
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