The Government of Japan is interested in extending the bilateral cooperation with Moldova in different areas. The message was transmitted by the Japanese Ambassador to Moldova based in Kiev Toichi Sakata in a meeting with Prime Minister Vlad Filat, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to a communiqué from the Government, the interlocutors discussed a number of aspects concerning the relations between Moldova and Japan and stressed the high level of their development. Toichi Sakata approved of the way the Moldovan-Japanese relations developed during the last 20 years and voiced hope that this pace will be maintained. The Japanese ambassador reiterated his country’s readiness to continue supporting Moldova in promoting democracy and the principles of market economy and in implementing projects in different areas such as health protection, education and agriculture. Vlad Filat thanked the Japanese authorities for the support provided to Moldova, saying the projects implemented with Japan’s support are necessary and efficient. Until now, the Government of Japan offered Moldova over US$72 million in non-reimbursable financial assistance and loans of over US$48 million. The Premier said that the 2KR project became one of the largest projects to distribute agricultural machinery to Moldova and underlined the importance of exchanging experience and improving the professional skills of national specialists with the support of Japanese partners. Toichi Sakata invited Vlad Filat to the festive reception dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Moldova and Japan, which will take place in Chisinau next week. He said that a similar event will be held in Tokyo and will be attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Popov