The president of Tunisia, who served as co-chair and host of a Tokyo-led conference on Africa, has called for closer ties between the continent and Japan and other partners to enhance regional economic development.

Kais Saied spoke to reporters at the Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, or TICAD 8, in Tunisia on Sunday.

He said it was significant that delegates to the conference discussed a wide range of issues.

Saied said Africa is still plagued with violence, poverty and terrorism, stressing the need for further international cooperation.

He said African countries will continue to work with partners around the world to fully utilize their abundant human and natural resources.