Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, today, received a farewell courtesy call from outgoing Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Zimbabwe Resident Representative, Mr. Shigeki Furuta, at the Munhumutapa Offices in Harare, yesterday.
Professor Murwira commended Mr. Furuta for helping consolidate ties between Zimbabwe and Japan, saying his contribution had strengthened bilateral relations and advanced development cooperation.
“Mr. Furuta has played a commendable role in strengthening the cordial relations between Zimbabwe and Japan.
His dedication has helped advance development cooperation in important sectors of our economy, and we greatly appreciate the work he has done during his tenure,” he added.
The minister wished the outgoing representative success in his future assignments and thanked him for his service to Zimbabwe.
“I wish him well in his future endeavours and thank him for his valuable contribution to enhancing relations between our two countries,” said Professor Murwira.
The meeting marked the conclusion of Mr. Furuta’s three-year tenure in Zimbabwe, during which bilateral relations between Harare and Tokyo were strengthened through development partnerships and sustained diplomatic engagement.
Mr. Furuta reflected warmly on his stay in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is a wonderful country and I am more than satisfied by the progress achieved during my assignment. I am honoured to have served here over the past three years,” said Mr. Furuta.
He noted that relations between Zimbabwe and Japan had advanced significantly, particularly through high-level engagements and participation in international platforms such as Expo 2025 Osaka.
“There has been significant growth in relations between Zimbabwe and Japan, and platforms such as Expo 2025 Osaka have further strengthened our cooperation,” he said.
Mr. Furuta added that JICA had remained committed to supporting Zimbabwe in strategic sectors vital to national development.
“Our cooperation has focused on agriculture, health, infrastructure and education, and I sincerely hope these ties will continue to deepen in the future,” he said.
During his tenure, JICA partnered Zimbabwe in initiatives aimed at improving food security, upgrading infrastructure, enhancing health delivery systems and strengthening skills development.
Zimbabwe and Japan have maintained cordial relations over the years, with cooperation spanning infrastructure rehabilitation, irrigation development, education support, disaster risk management and humanitarian assistance.
JICA is Japan’s principal development cooperation agency and has operated in Zimbabwe for decades, supporting programmes in transport, health, agriculture, water management and human capital development.
