TOKYO, Japan, March 27, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — On the evening of March 13, Prime Minister Mr. Shinzo Abe held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia during his working visit to Japan upon invitation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Following a joint press conference, Prime Minister Abe hosted a dinner in honor of President Hassan. The overview of the meeting and dinner is as follows.
1. In the Summit Meeting, Prime Minister Abe praised President Hassan’s efforts in rebuilding Somalia. Prime Minister Abe also stated that the Government of Japan recently decided on a new support package for Somalia totaling approximately 40 million U.S. dollars and that Japan decide to resume bilateral grassroots human security grant aid. Prime Minister Abe also explained that Japan continues to steadily implement assistance that benefits each and every Somali citizen, including through enhancing human resources development assistance.
2. In response, President Hassan expressed his appreciation to the Government of Japan, stating that it is of significant importance to visit Japan again following last year’s TICAD V (the Fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development). President Hassan also stated that he wants to strengthen the bilateral relationship further. In addition, he stated that he was grateful that Japan’s assistance matches the priority areas of Somalia.
3. The two leaders shared the view that they will cooperate toward stability in Somalia, including through anti-piracy measures, and toward the peace and prosperity of the East Africa region. In addition, President Hassan expressed his expectation for Japanese companies to invest in Somalia in the future.
4. At the dinner table following the meeting, the two leaders discussed various issues including Somalia’s culture, its efforts to establish democracy, and strengthening of the bilateral exchanges in a friendly atmosphere.
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