Japan will carry out new modernization projects in the agrifood and energy sectors of Moldova and will continue the programs to provide loans to SMEs, Japanese Parliamentary Vice Minster for Foreign Affairs Takao Makino said in a meeting with President Nicolae Timofti, IPN reports.

Takao Makino noted the progress made by Moldova after the proclamation of its independence in the process of building a democratic society, based on market economy.

He said that while on a tour of the states of the regional organization GUAM (Moldova, Ukraine Georgia, and Azerbaijan), he wants to identify new bilateral cooperation opportunities. “The Government of Japan will continue to provide technical and financial assistance to Moldova so as to help it ensure sustainable development and maintain a climate of stability in the region,” stated the Japanese official.

Nicolae Timofti appreciated the work of the Japan International Cooperation Agency that is implementing a number of assistance programs in agriculture in Moldova. He mentioned the humanitarian security grants provided by Japan, with which the national hospitals are renovated and outfitted with modern equipment.

The head of state underlined the necessity of learning from Japan’s experience in implementing programs to modernize the country.

Takao Makino was accompanied by an official delegation that included Japan’s Ambassador to Moldova, with residence in Kiev, Toichi Sakata.