Relations between Japan, Ethiopia Deepening: Ambasador Hironori

Addis Ababa, November 8, 2025 (ENA) – Relations between Ethiopia and Japan have continued to deepen in many areas of cooperation, Japan's Ambassador Shibata Hironori said today.

Speaking at Japan's Culture Day celebrated at the country's embassy in Addis Ababa, Japan's Ambassador to Ethiopia, Shibata Hironori, stated that the relation between the countries is a durable partnership rooted in mutual learning, people-to-people ties, and a forward-looking agenda that spans education, health, and culture.

“This (relationship) represents one of Japan’s earliest diplomatic relationships in Africa. Our two nations have strengthened this bond through political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges,” he stated, citing the formal ties established in 1930 and intensified collaboration across sectors over the years.

Ambassador Hironori traced the state of development cooperation noting that Japan’s partnership with Ethiopia has expanded substantially since 2000.  

He also highlighted financial and technical support in education, health, and agriculture, insisting that “our cooperation remains steadfast” even as global dynamics shift.

The Ambassador pledged that Tokyo will deepen engagement to bolster Ethiopia’s prosperity and stability.

According to him, some students who studied in Japan through JICA training program are now teaching at national universities such as Addis Ababa University, while many Japanese experts have been dispatched to almost all ministries and agencies in Ethiopia.

Strengthened ties between Ethiopian regional universities and Japanese national universities are framed as practical pathways to research and mutual understanding and the programs are central to turning cultural appreciation into tangible development outcomes, he added.

“The government and people of Japan have cooperated and endeavored for Ethiopia’s peace and prosperity. We will continue to make our utmost efforts to deepen Japan-Ethiopia relations,” Ambassador Hironori affirmed.

On his part, Ahmed Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer at the Ministry of Culture and Sport stressed the importance of continued dedication to strengthening cultural and people-to-people bonds.

He described Culture Day as both a tribute to shared histories and a catalyst for future collaboration.

"This festival is a testament to the vibrant cultural exchange that continues to flourish between Ethiopia and Japan, two nations with rich histories, diverse traditions, and shared aspirations for mutual understanding," the CEO said.

He also noted that the celebration serves as a bridge between the two countries, promoting friendship and collaboration that extends well beyond the festival itself, fostering long-term relationships and encouraging ongoing dialogue between Ethiopian and Japanese communities.

According to him, the annual gathering honors the past while laying the groundwork for future connections, inspiring attendees to seek further interactions and greater understanding between these two vibrant cultures.