The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania to UNESCO, Hon. Saidi Yakubu, met with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Hon. Iwao Horii, on the sidelines of the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea, on July 22, 2026.
During the talks, Minister Horii was joined by the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Japan to UNESCO, Hon. Takehiro Kano. The leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Tanzania and Japan in World Heritage conservation, cultural development and the implementation of the sustainable development agenda through UNESCO.
Ambassador Yakubu thanked the Government of Japan for its significant contribution to the conservation of cultural heritage in Tanzania, particularly through funding the renovation of the Majestic Cinema, Zanzibar. He also commended Japan for its continued support for World Heritage site conservation projects in Africa, a move that has made a significant contribution to safeguarding history, culture and heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.
The discussions also focused on opportunities to expand cooperation through capacity-building programmes for heritage professionals, exchange of professional experiences, as well as establishing and developing joint projects for the conservation and sustainable management of World Heritage sites in Tanzania.
Ambassador Yakubu invited Hon. Horii to visit Tanzania to experience the various UNESCO World Heritage sites, as well as the opportunities available in the culture, heritage and cultural tourism sectors.
At the meeting, Ambassador Yakubu was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the Tanzania National Commission for UNESCO, Professor Hamisi Malebo and other senior officials of the Tanzanian Government delegation participating in the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee.
The session continues until 29, 2026, discussing various issues related to the protection, conservation and sustainable management of World Heritage sites.
