On June 29 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Edward Nalbandian received Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Motome Takisawa.

Greeting the guest, the head of the Armenian Foreign Ministry noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 25 years ago the Armenian-Japanese relations have been constantly developing, expanding into new fields and replenishing with new meaning. Minister added that the establishment of Embassies in Tokyo and Yerevan gave a new impetus to the cooperation.

Expressing gratitude for the reception, Motome Takisawa underlined that the Japanese authorities highly appreciate friendly relations with Armenia, which shares the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and they intend to expand them.

The interlocutors discussed in details issues related to deepening of bilateral cooperation.

Both sides noted that high-level mutual visits, consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and cooperation within the framework of international institutions play an important role in strengthening and deepening of the relations.

Minister Nalbandian and Deputy Minister Takisawa underlined the importance of an effective Armenian-Japanese inter-parliamentary cooperation.

The interlocutors touched upon the issue of activation of Armenian-Japanese cooperation in economic and cultural spheres, as well as in the fields of information technologies, tourism, prevention of natural disasters and infrastructure. Edward Nalbandian expressed gratitude for the continued support of Japan to the development of Armenia since its independence.

During the meeting the importance of strengthening the legal framework in the sphere of trade and economic cooperation was highlighted and the possibility of visa facilitation was touched upon.

Minister Nalbandian presented the efforts of Armenia and the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs aimed at the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, expressing gratitude for the balanced position of Japan in this regard.

The interlocutors discussed the current problems in the Asia-Pacific region, the steps undertaken to address them, as well as other urgent issues of the international agenda.