Dear Editor
Three Japanese nationals have recently tested positive for the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Thereafter, three more positive cases have been identified. I express my deep sympathies with those people and pray for their speedy recovery.
It was unfortunate that the first case was my fellow countryman, but the Embassy is resolved to keep working hard under the guidance of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI). We will face the challenge with sincerity and determination. Incidentally, no one is infected or showing symptoms at the Japanese Embassy or the delegation to the AU as of March 19.
Japan and Ethiopia have nurtured friendship and goodwill since the establishment of our bilateral relations ninety years ago. The Japanese garden at Jubilee Palace (designed by a Japanese garden architect) and the now beautified Koshe waste site (made safer by a Japanese professor) are only two of the many manifestations of our close ties.
On the basis of our long-standing, mutual trust, I truly hope that our relations will grow even closer. The Ethiopian government and people are now fighting against this formidable challenge. Japan is firmly behind Ethiopia in this fight. We are convinced that together we will win this battle in the near future.
Matsunaga Daisuke
Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia
