Outgoing Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Zimbabwe Resident Representative, Shigeki Furuta, is set to leave Harare after completing his three-year tenure.
Furuta paid a farewell courtesy call on Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Aaron Murwira at his Munhumutapa offices on Monday.
“Zimbabwe is a wonderful country,” Furuta told journalists.
He said JICA remains committed to supporting Zimbabwe in key sectors critical to national development.
“Our cooperation has focused on agriculture, health, infrastructure and education, and I sincerely hope these ties will continue to deepen,” he said.
Furuta noted growing relations between Zimbabwe and Japan, highlighting platforms such as Expo 2025 Osaka as key in strengthening cooperation.
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Murwira commended Furuta for consolidating bilateral ties, saying his tenure had advanced development cooperation.
“His dedication has strengthened relations and supported key sectors of our economy. We greatly appreciate his contribution,” he said.
During his tenure, JICA partnered Zimbabwe on initiatives to improve food security, upgrade infrastructure, enhance healthcare delivery and strengthen skills development.
JICA is Japan’s principal development agency and has operated in Zimbabwe for decades, supporting programmes in transport, health, agriculture, water management and human capital development.