The prime minister said Japan intends to advance technical cooperation contributing to the development of Sierra Leone through the recently signed Technical Cooperation Agreement.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe expressed Japan’s intention to support the improvement of food security.

At the outset, Prime Minister Abe stated, “I welcome your first visit to Japan and your first participation in TICAD,” the seventh African Development Conference organized by the Japanese Government in close partnership with the United Nations, African Union Commission and the World Bank Group.

In response, President Bio remarked, “I am grateful for the warm reception,” and expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support.”

President Bio welcomed the recent development between the two countries including the signing of Technical Cooperation Agreement and strengthening of JICA field office.

President Bio expressed hope for more support from Japan in the fields of education, human resource development, and electricity sector, as well as entry of Japanese companies to Sierra Leone.

The two leaders also discussed cooperation between Japan and Sierra Leone, the Presidency of the Committee of Ten, in the international arena, including UN Security Council reform, and exchanged views regarding the North Korea situation.

Japan intends to contribute immensely towards the establishment of economic and human resource base in Sierra Leone, which has shifted from a post-war reconstruction stage to a longer-term economic development phase, so that the country could maintain peace and ensure further economic growth.

Japan will pay due consideration to Sierra Leone’s national development plan, governmental administrative capacity, and division of labour among development partners when providing assistance.

The Major priority areas for the Japanese Government interventions includes Improvement of Infrastructure, Strengthening of human resource base, Agriculture and the Health sector in Sierra Leone.