Ambassador Himeno congratulated His Excellency Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio and the ‘New Direction’ Government as its clocks one year in office adding that he was pleased to be part of the Inter-faith thanksgiving service marking the first year anniversary of the ‘New Direction’ Government which was held at the State House Lawn, on Thursday 4th April, 2019.
He ascertained that Japan and Sierra Leone had an existing established relations that is being enjoyed by the Peoples of both countries. This relation, he maintained is going to be broadened and deepened as his country will continue to support the Government and people of Sierra Leone.
He thanked His Excellency Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio for accepting the invite to attend the TICAD Summit and Minister Alie Kabba for participating in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial meeting in Japan last year.
Welcoming the Ambassador, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Dr Alie Kabba thanked Ambassador tustonuHimeno for celebrating with the new government as its celebrates its one year in office.
Minister Kabba stated that, as a new government, they valued the bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Japan and that, they are very much cognizant of the fact that the existing bilateral relationship is becoming stronger and has definitely achieved many significant outcomes.
He went on to state that the ‘New Direction’ Government of His Excellency Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio is focused on its eight key priority areas which are reflected in the bilateral relations of the country.
He expressed hope of engaging the Ambassador on some of the key areas to be discussed in the next coming TICAD Heads of states meeting and also mapped out strategies to further deepen the bonds between Sierra Leone and Japan.
Dr. Kabba affirmed that, as a government, they are looking forward to strengthen the existing bilateral ties between the two countries as both countries had a shared history of supporting the core priorities that have had direct impact on the quality of life of their peoples.
He added that the next deliberations with Ambassador TustonuHimeno will serve as an opportunity to see how they can work together towards achieving peace and security in the world as a whole.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Nimatulai Bah-Chang, Director General and Ambassador-al-Large, Ambassador Paul A.S. Minah and the Deputy Director of Protocol, Alhassan Kargbo.