Japan encourages Moldova in its efforts to promote the democratization and switchover to the market economy and supports the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU, Japanese Ambassador to Moldova based in Kiev Toichi Sakata said in the official ceremony held to celebrate the 80th birthday of the Emperor of Japan Akihito, IPN reports.
“I would like Moldova to make stable progress on the path to European integration,” said the ambassador. He added that he witnessed efficient and extensive development of the bilateral relations in practically all the areas. “I’m firmly convinced that we have a significant potential of strengthening our relations of friendship. My efforts to bring the governments and peoples of our countries closer are aimed at this. However, it is only a part of my goal. I hope our common efforts for such a valuable objective will double,” said the ambassador.
Toichi Sakata reminded about the launch by Japan of the first lending agreement with Moldova, to the value of US$61.5 million, for improving the medical assistance services. Together there were implemented six grant and technical assistance projects, besides the project to introduce clean energy through the agency of the solar electricity generating system at the Oncology Institute, signed in September, and the project to improve the judo equipment of the State University of Physical Education and Sport, signed in November.
In science and technology, a group of Japanese experts in the second half of October paid a visit to Chisinau to discuss the format of the future cooperation with partners of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova. As regards the cultural events, the Japanese Culture Days were held in June for over a week. Three theater companies from Japan gave drama and dance performances.
Toichi Sakata also said that at the suggestion of Prime Minister Iurie Leanca, representatives of the Japanese companies operating in Kiev were informed about the entrepreneurial environment of Moldova. “Indeed, it was a very good occasion for more Japanese companies to enrich their knowledge about the business and production opportunities in Moldova. I hope that such a reciprocal exchange will lead to the extension of our economic and commercial relations,” said the Japanese ambassador.
On the occasion of the ceremony, Toichi Sakata said that on December 23 the Emperor of Japan will turn 80. In Japan, the celebration of such an anniversary is special as figure ‘80’ symbolizes happiness and prosperity. One of the best news of the year was the designation of capital Tokyo as the host of the Olympic and Paralympics Games of 2020. The Government of Prime Minister Abe aims to implement policies designed to build a peaceful and prosperous country, together with the Asia-Pacific region and the whole world, as a nation anchored in the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
