On May 4, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandian received Eiji Taguchi, Ambassador of Japan in Armenia on the occasion of completion of latter’s diplomatic mission.

Minister Nalbandian expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador of Japan for his efforts towards further development and enhancement of the Armenian-Japanese cooperation during the years of his tenure in Armenia. Highly appreciating Eiji Taguchi's activity as the first resident Japanese Ambassador, the head of the Foreign Ministry expressed his conviction that with joint steps the Armenian-Japanese relations will be raised to a qualitatively new level.

Ambassador Taguchi thanked Edward Nalbandian and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the assistance provided during his tenure and expressed his belief that the ties between Armenia and Japan in various spheres will continuously develop for the benefit of two friendly peoples.

In appreciation of the significant contribution to the development of Armenian-Japanese relations, the head of the Armenian Foreign Ministry awarded the Ambassador of Japan with the Medal of Honour of the Foreign Ministry.