On August 21, Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru of Japan held a summit meeting with President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, who was visiting Japan to participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). The meeting, which began at 4:20 p.m. and lasted approximately 25 minutes, served as a platform for reaffirming bilateral ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation. Prime Minister Ishiba opened the dialogue by acknowledging President Ndayishimiye’s appointment as the African Union’s champion for youth, emphasizing that youth empowerment is a central theme of TICAD 9. He expressed hope that young people in both Japan and Africa would collaborate to shape a more promising future, and voiced his intention to deepen Japan’s partnership with Burundi.
President Ndayishimiye responded with warm appreciation for Japan’s longstanding support, particularly during challenging periods in Burundi’s history. He praised TICAD’s contributions to African development and conveyed his desire to strengthen the bilateral relationship further. The conversation then turned to infrastructure and healthcare, with Prime Minister Ishiba highlighting Japan’s role in the improvement of the Port of Bujumbura. He noted that the port’s development would enhance regional logistics and connectivity, and announced Japan’s decision to provide medical equipment to Burundi’s national hospital. These initiatives, he explained, reflect Japan’s commitment to supporting Burundi’s development priorities.
President Ndayishimiye expressed gratitude for these contributions and shared his expectations for continued assistance. He outlined Burundi’s key areas of focus, underscoring the importance of sustained international collaboration to address pressing national challenges. The leaders’ exchange demonstrated mutual respect and a shared vision for progress, rooted in practical support and strategic alignment.
Toward the conclusion of the meeting, both leaders affirmed their commitment to working together on global issues, including reform of the United Nations Security Council. Their discussion underscored the importance of inclusive international governance and the role of emerging partnerships in shaping a more equitable global order. The summit reflected a spirit of cooperation and optimism, reinforcing the value of TICAD as a bridge between Japan and African nations.