The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants on Tuesday inked a technical cooperation agreement between the Lebanese and Japanese governments, stipulating the establishment of an office for Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Lebanon, which allows the Japanese government to assist the Lebanese government in various fields, whether in kind or through experts and volunteers. 

The agreement, which was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdallah Bou Habib, and Japanese Ambassador to Lebanon Takeshi Okubo, comes in the wake of lengthy negotiations between Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japanese Embassy in Beirut. It aims to organize the relationship between the two countries and reveals the extent of Japan's desire to help Lebanon within the legal frameworks required by Japanese laws.

Moreover, Minister Bou Habib discussed with Danish Ambassador to Lebanon, Merete Juhl, the best means to bolster cooperation between the ministry and the embassy.

Bou Habib separately discussed with Swiss Ambassador to Lebanon, Marion Weichelt, the repercussions of the Ukrainian crisis on the two countries, as well as the means to face said challenges on the levels of food security and energy. Talks between the pair also touched on the impending parliamentary elections.