At meeting with National Assembly Speaker: Japanese envoy pledges stronger bilateral ties, discusses priority areas.

The diplomat was speaking at the Paul Biya Glass House in Yaounde on May 11. This was during a meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt Hon Datouo Théodore.

The discussions, which lasted about 30 minutes centered on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. 

Before outlining Japan’s priority areas of cooperation with Cameroon, the diplomat expressed condolences following the death of former National Assembly Speaker, Hon Cavaye Yeguie Djibril. 

He also used the opportunity to congratulate Hon Datouo Théodore on his election as House Speaker.

Speaking to reporters after the audience, Ambassador Minami said discussions centered on future cooperation and practical development partnerships between the two countries. 

The Ambassador added that Japan intends to maintain close collaboration with the government of Cameroon and Parliament in support of development initiatives.

“We had a very fruitful discussion,” the diplomat stated, noting that the areas of agriculture and fishery, development of infrastructure, promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises and protection of the environment are priority areas in Japanese cooperation with Cameroon.

“As Ambassador of Japan, I assure you we will continue our cooperation and collaboration with the National Assembly and the Cameroonian government to promote the wellbeing of the Cameroonian people,” Ambassador Minami stated.

On his part, the Speaker of the National Assembly expressed gratitude to the Japan for its continued support to Cameroon, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, security cooperation, education and environmental protection. 

The Rt Hon Datouo Théodore also proposed the creation of joint ventures aimed at enabling Cameroonians to benefit from Japanese expertise and investment.

He praised Japan’s scholarship programmes and the contribution of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, in supporting development projects in Cameroon.

The Speaker further announced plans to strengthen the Cameroon-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group and organise visits by Cameroonian lawmakers to Japan as part of efforts to reinforce parliamentary diplomacy.

Ambassador Minami said he would present Cameroon’s cooperation opportunities during the upcoming Conference of Japanese and African Ambassadors, where he intends to encourage Japanese companies to invest in Cameroon and develop concrete economic partnerships.

The meeting was attended by Hon Mathurin Germain Bindoua, Secretary of the Cameroon-Japan Friendship Group, alongside Essian André Noël, Clerk of the House, and Prof Isaac Tamba, Director of the Speaker’s Cabinet.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3788 of Wednesday May 13, 2026