Cameroon–Japan relations continue to flourish as both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced cooperation during a courtesy audience granted to Japanese Ambassador Minami Kentaro by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Datouo Théodore.
The visit of the Japanese Diplomat offered both personalities the opportunity to reaffirm the excellent state of cooperation existing between Cameroon and Japan while exploring new avenues capable of deepening bilateral and parliamentary relations for the mutual benefit of both nations.
Ambassador Minami Kentaro conveyed the condolences of the Japanese government and people following the passing of former Speaker of the National Assembly, the late, Hon. Cavaye Yéguié Djibril. The diplomat equally congratulated Speaker Datouo Théodore on his election at the helm of the National Assembly.
The Japanese envoy praised the longstanding cooperation between both countries, which he noted has contributed to improving the living conditions of the population. He identified key sectors that continue to drive Cameroon–Japan cooperation, notably agriculture and fisheries, food security, infrastructure development, the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as environmental protection. Education also featured prominently during the exchanges, with the Ambassador encouraging greater collaboration between the parliaments of both countries as part of efforts aimed at reinforcing parliamentary diplomacy and mutual understanding.
Responding, Hon. Datouo Théodore thanked the Japanese authorities for their message of sympathy and for the continuous support extended to Cameroon over the years. He described relations between Yaoundé and Tokyo as exemplary, particularly in strategic sectors such as agriculture and fisheries where Japanese expertise continues to make impact.
The Speaker further advocated the creation of joint ventures capable of enabling Cameroonians to benefit more directly from Japanese technological know-how and industrial expertise. He equally lauded Japan’s contributions in the areas of security, environmental protection and education, notably through scholarships and interventions carried out by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. As part of efforts to consolidate parliamentary cooperation, the Speaker expressed his determination to revitalise the Cameroon–Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group and promote exchange visits involving Cameroonian lawmakers to Japan. According to him, such initiatives would further strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and create opportunities for experience sharing in governance and development.
For his part, Ambassador Minami Kentaro disclosed that Cameroon’s cooperation prospects would be presented during the upcoming conference bringing together Japanese and African Ambassadors. He indicated that the initiative would serve as an opportunity to encourage Japanese enterprises to invest in Cameroon and establish concrete economic partnerships capable of boosting development.
Both parties reiterated their shared commitment to pursuing practical cooperation initiatives geared towards Cameroon’s economic, social and environmental advancement, further reflecting the growing dynamism of relations between Yaoundé and Tokyo. Also present at the meeting was Hon. Mathurin Germain Bindoua, Secretary of the Cameroon- Japan Friendship group.
Claudette Chin
