Japan, Libya agree to deepen bilateral health cooperation

Japan and Libya have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in several areas, with healthcare emerging as a key area of collaboration between the two countries.

Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yohei Onishi, held talks with Libya’s Minister of Health, Dr. Mohamed Ali Al-Ghouj, in Tokyo on Monday, August 31, with both sides expressing a commitment to further develop bilateral relations.

The meeting, which began at 2:20 p.m. and lasted approximately 15 minutes, followed Al-Ghouj’s visit to Japan and the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation with Japan’s Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, Takamasa Ueno.

Onishi welcomed the Libyan minister and described the developments as positive momentum for Japan-Libya relations. He highlighted Japan’s contributions to the health sector and said there was further potential to expand cooperation between the two countries.

Al-Ghouj, in response, expressed Libya’s appreciation for Japan’s contributions to the medical field and reaffirmed his country’s intention to deepen cooperation under the newly signed memorandum.

The discussions build on growing engagement between the two countries in the healthcare sector. Earlier in May, Japanese and Libyan officials discussed possible cooperation involving medical technology and equipment, training for medical and paramedical personnel, health information systems and electronic hospital management.

The talks also explored Japanese expertise in cancer care, including early tumour detection, artificial intelligence in medical analysis and advanced cancer treatments. The latest meeting therefore adds to broader efforts to expand practical cooperation between Japan and Libya, particularly as Libya seeks to strengthen its healthcare system and improve the quality of medical services.

Beyond healthcare, Japan and Libya have also been exploring wider economic and development cooperation. Discussions earlier this year highlighted opportunities for Japanese companies to participate in Libya’s reconstruction and development projects, reflecting a broader interest in strengthening bilateral ties.

At the Tokyo meeting, Onishi and Al-Ghouj agreed to continue working together to promote bilateral relations across various fields, including the health sector. The Japanese Foreign Ministry described the meeting as part of efforts to build further momentum in relations between Japan and Libya.

Written by Abeeb Lekan Sodiq for TheAfricanDream®