According to a dispatch from Nairobi, Kenya, President Sirleaf made the commendation at the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI) in the East African nation.

She commended the exemplary leadership of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for the decision to host TICAD VI in Nairobi, and expressed gratitude to President Uhuru Kenyatta and the people of Kenya for the warm hospitality received by visiting leaders.

President Sirleaf said the hosting of TICAD VI for the first time in Africa symbolizes Japan’s desire to reinforce Africa’s development initiatives derived from TICAD as the continent pursues its ambitious Agenda 2063 and provides an opportunity for alignment of TICAD VI with this Agenda 2063, commencing with the First Ten Year Implementation Plan.

She said it allows Africa opportunity to build synergies among the Africa Agenda, the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the proposed Nairobi Declaration.
“This forum gives due recognition to Africa as an important player and broker, as a strong regional economy in the scheme of globalization. Liberia and the rest of Africa salute Japan on this initiative and the results to be gained from continued bilateral engagement through TICAD,” she said.

The Liberian leader lauded the organizers for dedicating a special session to discuss one of the global challenges of our time – building a resilient health system under the topic “Promoting Resilient Health Systems for Quality of Life.”
She noted that in the aftermath of the devastating effects of the Ebola virus disease, this subject “resonates very strongly” in the three most affected countries.

“It brings sad memories; sad recollection of an inadequate healthcare system, the lack of preparedness and response mechanisms that led to the loss of almost 200 healthcare workers, including medical doctors,” she lamented.

TICAD VI was attended by Asian and African leaders, the private sector, civil society, including President Idriss Deby Itno of Chad and Chairman of the African Union Authority, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, Madam Nkosana Dlamini Zuma; Chairman of the African Union Commission, and academicians.
LINA PR/PTK