Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia to Japan Pays Courtesy Visit to the University of Toyama

On June 11, H.E. Mr. Edward Wade Appleton Jr., Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Liberia to Japan, paid a courtesy visit to the University of Toyama. During the visit, he met with President Saito, Prof. Masayuki Ikeda, Deputy Director of the Organization for International Education and Exchange, Prof. Tomoko Yoshikawa, Head of the Exchange Division, Prof. Hideya Gesso of the School of Education, and Assoc. Prof. Tomoko Ogiso of the School of Education.

Ambassador Appleton provided an overview of the current situation in Liberia, explaining that due to the prolonged civil war, many young people have been unable to receive sufficient education and have been left behind in society. In response, President Saito highlighted the importance of cooperation between Japan and African countries, as well as human resource development in Liberia, and introduced the University of Toyama’s international cooperation initiatives.

Prof. Gesso and Assoc. Prof. Ogiso also presented the University’s international cooperation activities, particularly the JICA country-focused training program for Ethiopia.

Liberia is placing priority on human resource development in fields such as agriculture, infrastructure, the rule of law, education, public health, and tourism. They exchanged views on the possibility of establishing cooperative relationships between Liberia and the University of Toyama through various programs.

Following the meeting, Ambassador Appleton visited the School of Education, where further discussions were held with faculty members on educational practices.

It is expected that this visit will promote future collaboration with educational and research institutions in the Republic of Liberia, particularly in human resource development.