Antananarivo, Madagascar – April 28, 2024 – Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa met with her Madagascan counterpart, Ms. RASATA Rafaravavitafika, on Friday in a wide-ranging discussion that covered security, economic development, and regional issues.
Kamikawa, on her first official visit to Madagascar, expressed condolences for the damage caused by a recent cyclone and reaffirmed Japan’s support for the island nation. She emphasized the importance of Madagascar as a strategic partner in promoting a “Free and Open Pacific” (FOIP) and building closer ties ahead of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) meetings in August 2024 and 2025.
Minister Rasata welcomed the historic visit and expressed appreciation for Japan’s assistance. She echoed support for the FOIP concept and stated a desire to further strengthen bilateral relations.
The discussion highlighted the significance of the Japanese-backed Toamasina Port in boosting maritime connectivity. Both ministers agreed to collaborate on multifaceted development projects in Madagascar, including the expansion of a major urban area and the improvement of mineral production technology. This cooperation aligns with Japan’s “Co-Creation for Common Agenda Initiative,” a new development program.
On April 27, FM KAMIKAWA, who is visiting #Madagascar, held a foreign ministers' meeting and a working lunch with Madagascan FM RASATA Rafaravavitafika.#TICAD9 #FOIP #WSP pic.twitter.com/1QNMEEGKut
— MOFA of Japan (@MofaJapan_en) April 27, 2024Recognizing their shared status as maritime nations, Kamikawa and Rasata committed to working together to uphold a free and open maritime order based on the rule of law, including maritime security. This aligns with the principles of FOIP.
Economic security was another key topic. Kamikawa sought cooperation from Madagascar to improve the business environment, particularly for a major Japanese-backed mineral project – the largest such investment in Africa by a Japanese company. Minister Rasata expressed hope for technical assistance and human resource development in connection with the project. Both sides agreed to collaborate on ensuring its smooth operation.
The meeting also addressed the importance of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in achieving international peace and stability. The ministers pledged to work together on promoting WPS initiatives globally.
Regional matters, including the situation in East Asia and issues like North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, were also discussed. The ministers shared their views on disarmament, non-proliferation, and UN reform, reaffirming their commitment to continued collaboration on these critical issues.
