Moldova and Japan mark 20 years of diplomatic ties

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Moldova and Japan on March 26, the Foreign Ministers of the two countries exchanged congratulation messages to remark the ascendent pace in the development of the Moldo-Japanese relations during these two decades and to express their reciprocal willingness to foster cooperation, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to a press release from the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan's Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba in his message saluted the anniversary and highlighted the importance attached by Japan to the development of relations with Moldova. “We believe that your country's political stability and economic welfare constitutes an important element for European stability. In this respect, Japan supports Moldova in its effort to democratize and develop a sustainable market economy. In particular, I am pleased to note the success achieved under the Agrifood Assistance Program (2KR) which is efficiently implemented by the Government of Moldova”, reads the message. Moldovan Foreign Minister Iurie Leanca, for his part, noted how important this date was for the Moldo-Japanese relationship, observing with satisfaction that the two countries had a resultful cooperation during these two decades, despite the geographical distance, supporting each other both on the bilateral level as well as within international organizations. The Moldovan chief diplomat also expressed Moldova's solidarity with the Japanese people and admiration for the fortitude with which this country endures challenges, in particular the consequences of the natural disaster that hit Japan a year ago. “The Moldovan nation regards with admiration Japan's remarkable economic development achieved by its citizens, who, at the same time, have managed to keep the centuries-long values of the ever so rich Japanese culture”, Leanca said in his message. On March 22, the Moldovan Foreign Minister received Toichi Sakata, the Japanese Ambassador to Moldova based in Kiev, on which occasion they also exchanged congratulatory messages between the Prime Ministers of the two countries.