Shabait.com (Asmara)
8 October 2008
Asmara — President Isaias Afwerki today received and held talks with Ambassador Keitaro Fato, Special Representative of the Japanese government on UN Affairs.
In the meeting at the Denden Hall, the two sides conducted discussion on bilateral relations and cooperation, especially higher education and human resource development.
The President expressed Eritrea's desire to enhance relations with Japan and noted the significance of Japanese contribution to Africa as the continent is a marginalized one. In this regard, he underlined that Japanese contribution is so far limited to some areas.
Noting Japan's rich experience, President Isaias said that in order for relations between the two countries to succeed, Eritrea wishes that it should be based on the principle of self-reliance. He further indicated that human resource development is one of Eritrea's main priorities and that Eritrea is keen to draw lesson from the Japanese experience in this regard. He added that it is Eritrea's desire to foster cooperation with Japan especially in the domain of higher education.
As regards the UN Security Council, the President stated that it should be reorganized and reformed so that it may tackle current international problems. He also stressed the need for equitable participation of states in the Council.
The Japanese official on his part expressed appreciation on behalf of his government to President Isaias' participation in the 4th Africa-Japan Conference and asserted that Japan is ready to develop cooperation with Eritrea. He further pointed out that a Japanese delegation would visit Eritrea in the future. Moreover, Ambassador Keitaro Fato said that Japan maintains the stance that the UN in general and the Security Council in general should be restructured.
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