On February 17, Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian, who is in Munich as part of delegation headed by the President of Armenia, met with Tarō Kōno, Foreign Minister of Japan.

Welcoming his Japanese counterpart, Minister Nalbandian noted that this week in Armenia was quite rich with Japanese agenda: the agreement for promotion and mutual protection of investments has been signed, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan was in Yerevan on a visit. Edward Nalbandian considered it symbolic that this "Japanese week" is being concluded with the meeting of Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Japan.

The interlocutors underlined that during 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Armenian-Japanese ties have developed dynamically, including many areas of cooperation.
Edward Nalbandian and Tarō Kōno noted with satisfaction that the establishment of embassies in Tokyo and Yerevan gave a new impetus to the Armenian-Japanese cooperation in different spheres.

The Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Japan touched upon the joint steps undertaken towards the expansion and deepening of bilateral relations. In this regard, Edward Nalbandian and Tarō Kōno emphasized the necessity of frequent bilateral contacts and mutual visits. The interlocutors highlighted the importance of holding regular consultations between the Foreign Ministries and effective cooperation within the framework of international organizations.

The Ministers agreed that the agreement for the liberalisation, promotion and mutual protection of investments between Armenia and Japan opens new opportunities for the expansion of trade and economic ties.

In the course of the meeting, the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Japan focused on a number of urgent regional and international issues.

Tarō Kōno informed Edward Nalbandian about the approaches of Japan on developments in the Korean peninsula.

Minister Nalbandian presented to the Foreign Minister of Japan the joint efforts of Armenia and the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries aimed at the exclusively peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.