On 19 September, commencing a little after 9 a.m. local time (10:00 p.m. same day, JST) for approximately 30 minutes,
Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting New York, U.S. for the United Nations General Assembly, on September 19, 2023, held a bilateral meeting with Hon. Mr. Timothy Musa Kabba, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
At the outset, Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan would like to discuss bilateral relations and international issues with Sierra Leone, as non-permanent members of the Security Council from next year and that Japan would like to cooperate with Sierra Leone through the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) process.
Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan supports Sierra Leone’s development efforts in areas such as electricity, health and agriculture. She also stated that Japan will expect continued support for business development of Japanese companies in Sierra Leone.
Minister Kabba expressed his appreciation for Japanese support in the various areas including agriculture and his expectation to further investment and cooperation of Japan. Both sides then confirmed to work together to further develop bilateral relations.
Minister Kamikawa, strongly condemning the Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, stated that Japan would like to continue to cooperate and work together with Sierra Leone in the international arena to ensure food security in Africa.
Minister Kabba stated that Sierra Leone supports United Nations resolutions condemning the Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Regarding the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, Minister Kamikawa explained Japan’s position, referring to the IAEA’s assessment in its Comprehensive Report.
Minister Kabba expressed his understanding toward Japanese position on this matter.
Furthermore, the two sides shared the view to work together in responding to various international issues in international arena including at the UN Security Council. Both sides then confirmed that Japan and Sierra Leone, the President of the Committee of Ten, further cooperate in the international arena, including UN Security Council reform.
Source: Japan-Sierra Leone Foreign Minister’s Meeting | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (mofa.go.jp)