Cape Verde’s diplomatic relations took a promising turn this week as the island nation received two new ambassadors from Japan and Venezuela, each reaffirming their country’s commitment to deepening cooperation in key sectors ranging from food security to energy and cultural exchange.
Following a formal credential ceremony with President José Maria Neves, newly accredited Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Takeshi underscored Tokyo’s ongoing partnership with Cape Verde, especially as the two nations celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties.
“Regarding cooperation, we discussed many topics, but I was pleased to brief the President on two projects that are underway,” Ambassador Takeshi said.
“First, regarding food assistance, the Japanese government has decided to continue this project until 2025.
There is also the drinking water system project in Santiago that has been underway for some time.”
He also extended an official invitation for President Neves to attend the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) this August, a platform Japan uses to strengthen its developmental engagements across the continent.
Ambassador Takeshi will be based in Dakar, Senegal.
On the same day, Cape Verde also welcomed Regzeida Elena Gonzales Herrera, the newly appointed ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
Ambassador Herrera emphasized her government’s intent to usher in a “new stage” in bilateral relations.
“Sending a message of opening a new stage begins in bilateral relations and, as shown by the appointment of a new ambassador to Cape Verde, with residence in Senegal,” she stated.
She revealed that negotiations are in progress for three new cooperation agreements, specifically in cultural exchange and visa facilitation, while also hinting at a potential revival of the 2009 energy cooperation accord.
Ambassador Herrera further indicated that both President Nicolás Maduro and Cape Verdean officials are open to reciprocal high-level visits, signaling renewed political will on both sides to expand diplomatic and economic engagement.
As Cape Verde continues to navigate global partnerships, these diplomatic overtures from Japan and Venezuela reaffirm the island nation’s strategic importance and growing influence in multilateral development dialogues.
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