Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono who is paying an official visit to Armenia.

Welcoming the Japanese Foreign Minister’s first-ever visit to Armenia, the Prime Minister noted that it comes at an important period of democratic changes in Armenia. “Last year, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of establishment of Armenian-Japanese diplomatic relations which can be described as efficient and dynamically growing. At the same time, I do believe that we have real opportunities to overhaul and upgrade bilateral cooperation, especially in terms of economic exchanges,” Nikol Pashinyan said.

The Foreign Minister of Japan concurred with Pashinyan’s opinion that bilateral cooperation had great potential for development and deepening in a variety of areas. “I am honored to visit Armenia. Earlier today, I called at TUMO Center for Creative Technologies and was impressed by the educational model of Armenia’s technology industry. TUMO is one of those areas where we can cooperate. We are ready to discuss prospects for deepening cooperation in the economic sector,” he said.

Prime Minister Pashinyan touched upon the new political and economic situation, and the reforms underway in Armenia, including the fight against corruption and the efforts to better the investment and business environment. The Japanese Foreign Minister welcomed the ongoing democratic transformations in Armenia and expressed readiness to back the Government in this process.

In the context of developing economic ties between the two countries, the parties hailed the signing and ratification of the agreement on “Liberalization, promotion and protection of investments between the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Government of Japan” this year. Among the fields where Armenia and Japan could develop effective cooperation, Nikol Pashinyan singled out information technologies, hi-tech industry, tourism, infrastructure and innovations. The Japanese Foreign Minister welcomed the Prime Minister’s proposal and expressed willingness to discuss steps in that direction.

Both sides stressed the need to hold Culture Days in Armenia and Japan, as well as deepen inter-parliamentary relations. They reached an agreement on the formation of a joint agenda and active work on its implementation. The Prime Minister made a point of strengthening humanitarian and business ties and, in this context, highlighted the Government’s decision to enable a visa-free regime for the citizens of Japan.

The interlocutors exchanged views on regional and international issues. The Premier said our country highly appreciates Japan’s balanced position on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.