Message from Mr. Koichiro Gemba, Minister for Foreign Affairs to Mr. Grigol Vashadze, Foreign Minister of Georgia on the occasion of 20th anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Georgia
August 3, 2012
His Excellency Mr. Grigol Vashadze,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
Excellency,
I would like to extend my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Georgia and Japan.
Our two countries have enjoyed extremely friendly relations since Georgia gained its independence.
More recently, President Mikheil Saakashvili, Your Excellency, and many other the people of Georgia offered warm words of condolence and encouragement as well as support in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake of March last year. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my gratitude.
I am pleased to have been able to have a meaningful exchange of views on further development of bilateral relations with you during your recent visit to Japan. In addition, as I said at the meeting, the performance in Japan by the State Ballet of Georgia led by Her Excellency Mrs. Nina Ananiashvili provided the people of Japan with an excellent opportunity to feel closer to Georgia. Promoting cultural exchanges between our two countries will further deepen bilateral relations.
Georgia holds an important key to the peace and stability of the Caucasus region, an energy-distribution corridor in the Caspian Sea area. The stable development of Georgia is important to Japan as well. From such a perspective, Japan has consistently supported Georgia’s efforts to develop democracy and a market economy. Our two countries have developed close relations, bilaterally and internationally, as reliable partners who share basic values. I would like to continue working with you to strengthen cooperation between our two countries. I also hope to continue cooperating with Georgia under the GUAM - Japan framework.
It is my hope that the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations will provide an impetus to further deepen and develop relations with Georgia and its people.
I wish you good health and every success along with my best wishes for the prosperity of the people of Georgia.
Yours sincerely,
Koichiro Gemba
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan
[Signature]
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