Concrete Projects Ahead
New prospects for bilateral cooperation were at the heart of discussions during the meeting between Comorian President Azali Assoumani and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama.
The two leaders discussed several key areas to strengthen cooperation between the Comoros and Japan.
Education is one of the priorities. The Head of State requested Japanese assistance to rehabilitate the University of the Comoros and send Japanese professors to improve higher education. This initiative aims to provide Comorian students with more skills, he said.
Port infrastructure was also discussed. Assoumani proposed the construction of a deepwater port and the rehabilitation of the ports of Mutsamudu and Moroni. These projects are expected to facilitate maritime transport, strengthen security, and stimulate regional trade.
Fisheries development is among the other priorities. The President requested support to modernize fishing techniques and strengthen the fishing school. The goal is to better train fishermen and support the local economy.
On the institutional level, Azali Assoumani requested the opening of a JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) office in the Comoros.
Shigeru Ishiba thanked the Comoros for their support to Japan on the international stage and announced the upcoming celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of relations between the two countries. He instructed his staff to create a solid and diversified cooperation framework, in line with the Comoros’ priorities.