Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda is in Japan on a four-day parliamentary bilateral visit at the behest of his counterpart, Japanese Speaker of the House of Representatives, Fukushiro Nukaga in liaison with the President of the House of Councillors, Mr Masakaza Sekiguchi.
Advocate Mudenda is accompanied by Members of Parliament, among them Tawanda Karikoga, Sibongile Maphosa, Patricia Kundlande and Knowledge Kaitano.
He was received by Zimbabwe’s top envoy to Japan, Ambassador Stewart Nyakotyo.
Upon arrival Advocate Mudenda was briefed by Ambassador Nyakotyo on the operations of the Zimbabwean Embassy with emphasis on fostering economic cooperation in line with the Second Republic’s policy thrust of economic diplomacy.
In response, Advocate Mudenda commended the embassy staff for their commitment to duty as they advance Zimbabwe’s political and economic interests in Japan.
During this significant visit, the delegation will engage in discussions with key stakeholders, including Mr Nukaga, Mr Sekiguchi, Japan-AU Parliamentary Association, SORA Technology and NEC, both Japanese multinational information technology and electronics giants with a long history and deep expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), IT, networking and biometric security solutions, Special Advisor from Japan International Co-operation International Agency Dr Kitaoka Shinichi.
The meetings will focus on several crucial areas including strengthening existing parliamentary relations, exploring avenues to enhance trade relations and investment opportunities between Zimbabwe and Japan., enhancing partnerships in technology and innovation, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, health, and information technology.
The Zimbabwean delegation will also lobby for Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (2027-2028).
Zimbabwe and Japan enjoy excellent and cordial bilateral relations, which have been growing steadily since Harare’s independence in 1980.
Recent diplomatic efforts have focused on enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including mining, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Japan has played a key role in assisting Zimbabwe through development aid, particularly in infrastructure, human resource development, and food sovereignty.
President Mnangagwa’s visits to Japan for the Osaka Expo and the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) underscore the commitment to strengthening bilateral ties at the highest levels. Notably, the Yokohama Declaration resulting from TICAD9 aligns with Zimbabwe’s calls for debt justice, value-chain development and affordable climate financing.
Advocate Mudenda’s parliamentary bilateral visit aims to solidify these ties and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
This reflects both countries’ mutual interest in fostering a collegiate partnership from a parliamentary perspective, particularly concerning legislative benchmarking processes to enhance the ease of doing business.
