Sudan’s Ambassador to Japan Al-Rayah Haidoub met with Japanese State Minister at the Ministry of for Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Kenji Yamada in Tokyo to discuss ways to strengthen economic, investment and technical cooperation between the two countries. Haidoub briefed the Japanese minister on developments in Sudan, including military advances in North Kordofan and Darfur, as well as the government’s roadmap for national dialogue, civilian transition and political stability. He expressed Sudan’s interest in lifting Japan’s travel restrictions on Sudan to facilitate the resumption of development projects. The ambassador also called for greater Japanese involvement in Sudan’s reconstruction efforts and welcomed Japanese companies and investment, pledging to facilitate their entry into the Sudanese market. The two sides discussed regional developments, particularly rising tensions in the Red Sea, as well as a preliminary study for establishing technical and vocational training schools in agriculture, industry, and construction. Yamada reaffirmed Japan’s technical and development support for Sudan and said METI and the Japanese Foreign Ministry would coordinate capacity-building programs for Sudanese professionals and support development projects, pending the restoration of stability.BH/BH