A Japanese parliamentary delegation has pledged continued support for Ethiopias strategic pursuit of sea access and its ongoing economic integration efforts, following high-level diplomatic talks in Addis Ababa.
The discussions, held between the House of People’s Representatives Standing Committee on Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs and a Japanese delegation led by Endo Toshiaki, focused on deepening the century-old bilateral ties between the two nations.
Toshiaki underscored that Japan recognizes Ethiopia’s position as Africa’s second-most populous nation and a key driver of regional growth.
He affirmed that Tokyo remains committed to supporting Ethiopia’s aspirations for maritime access, a critical component of the country’s development agenda. Furthermore, the delegation head confirmed that Japan would continue to assist Ethiopia in its bid to join the World Trade Organization.
During the exchange, the Japanese delegation also commended Ethiopia’s progress in gender inclusivity, specifically noting the government’s efforts to increase the participation of women within administrative and governance structures.
Responding on behalf of the Ethiopian parliament, Dr. Dima Noggo, Chairperson of the Standing Committee, reflected on the deep historical roots of the relationship, which spans over a hundred years. He noted that Ethiopia holds the distinction of being the first African nation to establish diplomatic ties with Japan, a partnership that has since matured into robust cooperation across trade, technology, and social development.
Dima(PhD), briefed the visitors on Ethiopia’s comprehensive economic reforms, which he credited for driving growth across diverse sectors of the economy. Highlighting the country’s initiatives to attract foreign direct investment, he urged for an even stronger presence of Japanese investors in the Ethiopian market to bolster mutual prosperity. Both parties concluded the meeting by reiterating their commitment to a partnership that serves as a cornerstone for stability and development in the region.
