Japan and the African continent share the same ancient historical philosophy, brought together by cultural traits and shared values, which represent different cultural, recreational, and social industries with unique characteristics that reflect their modus vivendi.

Expressive examples such as the use of batuque, ancestral dances, the katana, and mother earth as the center of ancestral respect are examples of this.

The relations of friendship and cooperation between Angola and Japan will celebrate 50 years in September 2026, a period during which our country has benefited from support, both in the peace and development process with the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure, as well as in the training of Angolan staff, and in sectors such as health, agriculture, telecommunications, transport, science and technology, energy and water, fisheries, among others.

We want to continue working towards more comprehensive cooperation, taking advantage of our country's economic potential while taking into account the Government's priorities.

Within the scope of the entry into force of the Agreement on the Liberalization, Protection, and Promotion of Investments between the two countries, we intend to continue working so that Japan can support our industrialization process by attracting investments.

We need to extend our cooperation to the areas of oil, gas, and mining and transform our country into one of Japan's main partners in the energy sector, taking advantage of the existence of strategic minerals that are important for industry in the country.

Despite the progress achieved, both countries want to continue to explore their potential to transform them into greater investment and boost the creation of partnerships between Japanese and Angolan entrepreneurs.

Today, with a globalized and increasingly competitive world, we must take advantage of the dynamics of developing economies to promote structural initiatives that aim to strengthen relations between different peoples and nations.

The positive results of TICAD-9 are very encouraging and respond to the challenges and needs of the continent, while raising global awareness of Africa's importance in the current global economic agenda.

The discussions and results of TICAD-9 contribute positively to the deepening and alignment of the structural projects set out in the African Union's Agenda 2063, which aims to address the continent's various challenges relating to industrialization, interconnectivity, and facilitating the integration of the continent, giving rise to an economically developed Africa.

Today, TICAD is not only a platform but also a vehicle for open and inclusive dialogue that encourages cooperation by promoting initiatives that ensure economic and social progress, focusing on the diversification of the economies of African states.

Discussions with Africa through TICAD are based on points such as economic diversification, with greater support for start-ups, promotion of employment, and technology transfer.

The broad convergence of opinions and thoughts reflected in the TICAD-9 Final Declaration reflects the joint vision on issues on which we must continue to work ever more intensively.

The Japan-Africa Business Forum, co-chaired by H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union, and H.E. Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan, resulted in the signing of dozens of cooperation agreements that will contribute to the development of the continent and accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a key element for regional integration and greater inclusion of Africa in the global economy.

We must take advantage of TICAD to also stimulate private sector growth, promote human security, and foster South-South cooperation.

As the President of Angola said in his opening speech at TICAD-9, "Japan has risen from various adversities to become strong, thus providing inspiration for African countries still in the development phase, given the enormous challenges they face."

As a result of Japan's investments, some projects are already being implemented in Angola, such as increasing electricity transmission capacity to the southern region of Angola.

The inauguration of a new container terminal at Sacomar in the Port of Namibe, financed by Toyota Tsusho Corporation and TOA, is a project linked to the southern corridor, connecting the port and the Moçamedes Railway.

In this regard, KEIDANREN, as one of Japan's leading business associations, bringing together more than 1,500 companies and associations, plays an important role in bringing the two countries closer together and contributing to cooperation.

In February 2024, Angola received a business mission from KEINDAREN to identify areas for investment, at a time when the country has created legislation that encourages foreign investment.

We will take advantage of the opportunities offered by TICAD to leverage investment in Africa, transform resources, and develop the continent with Japan as a privileged partner.