Japan`s Foreign Minister: It is a great honor for me to contribute to development of diplomatic relations with Armenia

ArmInfo. It is a great honor for me to visit Armenia and contribute to the development of diplomatic relations between our countries, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Taro Kono, who visited Armenia on September 2, wrote in his article.

Taro Kono noted that this is his first visit to Armenia as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. "I will be very happy if my visit will promote the development of relations between our countries. Last year our countries marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and it is also very pleasant that the Japanese Embassy in Armenia, which was opened in 2015, works in a new building since February this year, so I'm glad to visit Yerevan in the year of development of the Armenian-Japanese relations.

Japan and Armenia have much in common, in particular, both countries have a history to be proud of, both people suffered during earthquakes, etc. In 1921, a Japanese businessman and benefactor Shibusawa Eiichi founded a foundation and helped Armenian refugees to move to the United States, This laid the foundation of our relations ",  said the Minister.

The Minister noted that both Armenia and Japan experienced a number of earthquakes, and this further strengthened the ties between these countries. According to Kono, the countries also actively cooperate in the field of IT technologies.

''The Caucasus Region is is at the crossroads of all major world interests. The stability in this region has international importance.  I would like to contribute to the development of our relations with the Caucasus region. Japan will continue to follow its proposal on 2 points - the first principle is the development of the human factor, as state-building is based on human development. Human resources are also important in terms of information transfer, and Japan is ready to assist the region in this matter. The rule of law is also very important for Japan, as the law and the rule of law play a key role in the the state-building, "Kono said, noting that trainees from Armenia will visit Japan this year to participate in advanced training courses in healthcare, natural resources management, economy and politics.

Minister Kono pointed at another priority task: increasing the level of knowledge of people about Japan.  The Japanese Foreign Minister noted that for this purpose the government will continue to promote the development of the culture of Japan in the region. Up to this day Japan has cooperated with Armenia for the sake of stability, democracy, social and economic development, as well as economic development in the region. For example, we worked together to establish an integrated steam power plant in Yerevan, modernize firefighting equipment in the Armenian capital, assisted in strengthening the competitiveness of domestic agricultural products, we also helped build public schools and hospitals, "the Japanese Foreign Minister stressed.

Kono also stressed that, in addition to basic infrastructure assistance, Japan is making efforts to conclude bilateral investment agreements with the countries of the Caucasus, and in particular, with Armenia. "Japan and Armenia have already signed a bilateral investment agreement, which was ratified by the Japanese Parliament." Investment contracts will create a fair and predictable legal basis for Japanese companies investing in these countries. "The growth of business in turn contributes to the inflow of people. Japanese government will work on facilitating the region's citizens' visits to Japan. Besides, Japan will continue to assist Armenia in reducing the risk from natural disasters. Japan will promote the independent development of the region. I am confident that this visit will contribute to the development of relations between Japan and Armenia, as well as between Japan and other countries in the region, and will be a step for our joint and a promising future ",  concluded the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

To note, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono is on an official visit to Armenia from 2 to 4 September.  Today the Japanese Foreign Minister visited the Tsitsernakaberd memorial complex and paid tribute to the memory of the victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide.