COTE D’ IVOIRE-The Japanese government has stated its intention to partner with members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the area of peace and security of the sub-region.

This was disclosed yesterday in Abidjan, the capital of Cote’d Ivoire, by the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, while addressing the opening session of the ECOWAS Heads of Government Summit.

He added that promoting peace and security in the sub-region would boost the economic activities and development in the area.

Abe said that Japan, being a long standing friend to many countries in the sub-region, would continue to engage in issues that would promote economic development.

“Japan is ready to cooperate with governments in the West African sub-region toward facilitating Japanese investments.

“We will encourage our investors to invest in opportunities in the countries in the region,’’ he said.

Speaking at the same occasion, the Chairman of ECOWAS Heads of Government, President Alassane Quattara of Cote D’Ivoire, explained the abundant natural resources embedded in the region, stating that members are ready to strengthening any bound that would enhance economic development in the region.

“ECOWAS member states see Japan’s interest in the sub-region as a welcome development. It is our hope that we will enjoy mutually-beneficial relationship,’’ Ouattara said.

Abe’s visit was the first from a Japanese Head of Government to Africa in the past eight years.
The prime minister’s decision to visit Africa was taken in June 2013 at the Africa-Japan Summit in Tokyo.