Signing Ceremony of the Exchange of Notes for Japan’s Grant Aid: “The Economic and Social Development Programme
2025/12/9
On 9 December 2025, a signing ceremony for Japan’s Grant Aid programme, “The Economic and Social Development Programme,” took place at the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan in Baabda.
The Exchange of Notes (E/N) was signed by H.E. Dr. Rakan Nassereddine, Minister of Public Health, together with H.E. Mr. MAGOSHI Masayuki, Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon. Subsequently, the Grant Agreement (G/A) was signed between the Minister and Mr. Kei Toyama, Director General of the Middle East and Europe Department at JICA.
Through this programme, the Government of Japan will provide 425,000,000 Japanese yen (approximately 3 million USD) to strengthen public health services in Lebanon, particularly by reinforcing diagnostic capacity at Baabda Governmental Hospital. The programme will provide an advanced Japanese Angiography System—specialised for diagnosing heart and vascular diseases—enabling earlier, more accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. This assistance is expected to improve access to specialised care for patients, especially those from vulnerable communities served by public facilities.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Magoshi emphasized that this programme marks the resumption of Japan’s Grant Aid modality to Lebanon for the first time since 2017, reflecting Japan’s renewed confidence in advancing cooperation at a time of urgent needs in the health sector. He further reaffirmed Japan’s lasting commitment to supporting Lebanon in improving equitable access to medical services. The Ambassador highlighted that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a central pillar of Japan’s global health policy and deeply resonates with Japan’s longstanding commitment to promoting human security. He expressed hope that today’s programme will lead to sustainable improvements in service delivery that contribute to better health outcomes for the Lebanese people.
For his part, Minister Nassereddine said “From the people of Lebanon to the people of Japan, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your support strengthens our health sector that serves the most vulnerable communities, especially through governmental hospitals”.
Mr. Toyama described the programme as a symbol of the strong partnership between the two countries and expressed expectations that this initiative will support improved healthcare resilience and ultimately save more lives.
Japan remains a steadfast partner to the Lebanese people and will continue working with national institutions and development partners to support resilient, equitable, and sustainable healthcare delivery.
Embassy of Japan in Lebanon
Baabda, 9 December 2025
The Exchange of Notes (E/N) was signed by H.E. Dr. Rakan Nassereddine, Minister of Public Health, together with H.E. Mr. MAGOSHI Masayuki, Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon. Subsequently, the Grant Agreement (G/A) was signed between the Minister and Mr. Kei Toyama, Director General of the Middle East and Europe Department at JICA.
Through this programme, the Government of Japan will provide 425,000,000 Japanese yen (approximately 3 million USD) to strengthen public health services in Lebanon, particularly by reinforcing diagnostic capacity at Baabda Governmental Hospital. The programme will provide an advanced Japanese Angiography System—specialised for diagnosing heart and vascular diseases—enabling earlier, more accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. This assistance is expected to improve access to specialised care for patients, especially those from vulnerable communities served by public facilities.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Magoshi emphasized that this programme marks the resumption of Japan’s Grant Aid modality to Lebanon for the first time since 2017, reflecting Japan’s renewed confidence in advancing cooperation at a time of urgent needs in the health sector. He further reaffirmed Japan’s lasting commitment to supporting Lebanon in improving equitable access to medical services. The Ambassador highlighted that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a central pillar of Japan’s global health policy and deeply resonates with Japan’s longstanding commitment to promoting human security. He expressed hope that today’s programme will lead to sustainable improvements in service delivery that contribute to better health outcomes for the Lebanese people.
For his part, Minister Nassereddine said “From the people of Lebanon to the people of Japan, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your support strengthens our health sector that serves the most vulnerable communities, especially through governmental hospitals”.
Mr. Toyama described the programme as a symbol of the strong partnership between the two countries and expressed expectations that this initiative will support improved healthcare resilience and ultimately save more lives.
Japan remains a steadfast partner to the Lebanese people and will continue working with national institutions and development partners to support resilient, equitable, and sustainable healthcare delivery.
Embassy of Japan in Lebanon
Baabda, 9 December 2025