Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda held a meeting with Mr. Hifikepunye Pohamba, the President of the Republic of Namibia, at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence. President Pohamba was the first head of state to be welcomed by Prime Minister Fukuda.

At the meeting, the two leaders discussed Japan’s economic cooperation extended to Namibia, the United Nations Security Council reform and participation by the President in the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) that is scheduled to be held in Japan next year. Furthermore, President Pohamba expressed his support for "Cool Earth 50," a global warming prevention initiative proposed by Japan.

After the meeting, Japan and Namibia held a ceremony for signing of the Exchange of Notes for "the Cultural Grant Aid concerning the Project for the Improvement of TV Programs of the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation," which was followed by a welcoming dinner.

Basic Data

 Diplomatic Relations : Established in March 1990

Trade with Japan :
 Exports : $18.57 million (crab, shrimp, marine products)
 Imports : $6.05 million (automobile, auto parts, electrical machinery)

 Direct Investment from Japan : Cumulative total as of March 31, 1999 : $1.09 million

Japan’s Economic Cooperation :
 Loans : none
 Grants : 5.666 billion yen
 Technical cooperation : 0.792 billion yen

Cultural Grant (cumulative total fiscal 1975-2004)
 204.1 million yen (Cultural Grant Aid)

Source : Fukuda cabinet