Japan and Zimbabwe have renewed their commitment to strengthening humanitarian cooperation, with discussions focusing on food assistance, support for refugees at Tongogara Refugee Settlement and assistance to survivors of landmine incidents.
The discussions were held when Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe Nobutaka Maekawa paid a courtesy call on Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Edgar Moyo in Harare yesterday.
Minister Moyo said Zimbabwe valued Japan’s support, particularly in programmes aimed at improving the welfare and resilience of vulnerable communities.
“We greatly appreciate the continued cooperation and support that Japan has extended to Zimbabwe in the social welfare and humanitarian sectors.
Our discussions focused on practical areas where this partnership can make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable people, including food assistance, refugee support and assistance to survivors of landmine incidents,” Moyo said.
He said the Government remained committed to working with development partners to strengthen social protection mechanisms and ensure that vulnerable communities received appropriate assistance.
“Food security remains an important component of social protection, particularly for communities facing economic and environmental pressures.
We therefore welcome continued engagement with Japan in ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it most, while complementing Government’s own interventions,” Moyo said.
On refugees, Moyo said support to Tongogara Refugee Settlement remained critical as Zimbabwe continued to host people displaced from their countries by conflict and other crises.
“Zimbabwe continues to shoulder its responsibility of hosting refugees at Tongogara Refugee Settlement, and this requires strong partnerships with cooperating partners.
Support in areas such as food, livelihoods and basic services contributes significantly to the wellbeing and dignity of refugees and asylum seekers,” he said.
Ambassador Maekawa said Japan remained committed to supporting Zimbabwe in addressing humanitarian challenges and improving the welfare of vulnerable populations.
“Japan highly values its partnership with Zimbabwe and remains committed to supporting humanitarian initiatives that respond to the needs of vulnerable people.
We discussed food assistance, support for refugees at Tongogara and assistance to landmine survivors as important areas where cooperation can continue to make a difference,” Maekawa said.
He said Japan recognised the importance of sustained assistance to communities affected by landmines, particularly survivors who require rehabilitation and support to rebuild their livelihoods.
“Landmine survivors continue to face physical, social and economic challenges long after an incident has occurred.
Supporting them is not only about medical assistance, but also about rehabilitation, inclusion and helping affected people regain their livelihoods and participate fully in their communities,” Maekawa said.
The engagement underscores the longstanding cooperation between Zimbabwe and Japan in humanitarian and development programmes, particularly those aimed at strengthening social protection and supporting vulnerable communities.
