The possibilities of expanding Moldovan-Japanese relations were discussed by Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița, currently visiting Tokyo, in a meeting with her Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida. The officials also discussed the impact of developments in the region on Moldova, including through the lens of the influx of Ukrainian refugees.

Natalia Gavrilița thanked the Japanese government for its support in managing the refugee crisis and combating the COVID-19 pandemic. She also expressed her gratitude for the consistent support offered to Moldova over the years in modernizing key areas for our country’s development. “The technical assistance offered by Japan and the programs intended for our country help us considerably in achieving the objective of increasing the quality of people’s lives and advancing the modernization process. We are glad that Japan remains a reliable partner and we are open to deepening our relations based on shared values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law”, Natalia Gavrilița was quoted in a press release.

The Moldovan prime minister also spoke about the economic cooperation between the two states, reiterating Moldova’s interest in attracting new Japanese investments and organizing business forums. At the same time, Natalia Gavrilița spoke about the importance of initiating joint projects that will contribute to increasing energy efficiency.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida highly appreciated the intensification of Moldovan-Japanese relations in recent years, noting the mutual opening of diplomatic missions in the two countries, the increase in assistance programs, as well as the support of the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency in the launch of the first Moldovan satellite.

Fumio Kishida also expressed his appreciation for the solidarity shown by the Moldovans in helping the Ukrainian refugees and mentioned that his country will take into account the contribution of the Republic of Moldova to regional security, ensuring further support for Moldovan citizens.