Yokohama, Japan – Ahead of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. and Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, held a bilateral meeting in Yokohama.
The gathering, which took place on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, gave the leaders a chance to restate the close ties of friendship and collaboration that had lasted for almost 60 years between the two nations.
President Boakai expressed his sincere gratitude to the Japanese government and people for their ongoing assistance with Liberia’s development, especially in the fields of infrastructure, food security, health, and capacity-building.
The Liberian leader recalled Japan’s vital support during the COVID-19 and Ebola crises, as well as more recent contributions like the rebuilding of the Somalia Drive Road Project, the extension of the Japan Freeway, and emergency food aid that keeps Liberia’s socioeconomic stability intact.
In addition to welcoming more Japanese investment in key development sectors, he underlined Liberia’s willingness to further cooperation with Japan in the areas of research, technology, agriculture, and investment promotion.
President Boakai discussed regional issues, pointing out that organized crime, piracy, the proliferation of small guns, and unconstitutional government transitions are among the security threats that West Africa faces.
In order to counter these dangers, he called for increased international cooperation and coordinated approaches that guarantee regional peace, stability, and sustainable development.
Japan’s prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, responded by congratulating Liberia on winning a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council and restating Japan’s dedication to collaborating closely with Liberia to promote peace, stability, and prosperity.
In addition to expressing gratitude for Liberia’s efforts to present its rich cultural heritage, customs, and values to the world community, he praised the country’s active participation in the upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka, saying that Liberia’s attendance at the Expo serves as a crucial platform for fostering international collaborations and drawing in investment.
The prime minister also stated that he was very interested in the tourist industry in Liberia, especially in the preservation and development of the country’s distinctive biodiversity, which includes the endangered pygmy hippopotamus, which he called a priceless representation of the country’s natural heritage.
Nonetheless, the prime minister gave President Boakai the assurance that Japan would be prepared to assist Liberia’s development initiatives, especially those related to the ARREST Agenda. He pointed out that Japan’s own goals for collaboration in Africa are in line with Liberia’s emphasis on roads, agriculture, rule of law, education, sanitation, and tourism, and he looked forward to expanding his relationship with Liberia in these areas.
Photo credit: Executive Mansion
