Japan-Moldova Relations
Japan-Moldova Foreign Ministers' Meeting
May 13, 2022
On May 13, commencing at 2:00 p.m. (local time; same day, 9:00 p.m. JST) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Germany to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Nicu POPESCU, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi extended his congratulations on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Moldova this year. He stated that the Japanese government has changed the designation of the capital of Moldova in Japanese from "Kishinev" to "Chisinau". In response, Minister Popescu expressed his gratitude for the change in the name.
- The two ministers discussed the situation in Ukraine. Minister Hayashi stated that killings and atrocities against civilians by Russian troops are absolutely unacceptable, and that Russia must be held responsible for their actions. In addition, Minister Hayashi commended Moldova for accepting large numbers, especially considering population ratio, of Ukrainian refugees. He stated that Japan would continue to support Moldova and noted that he dispatched Mr. Uesugi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, to the Moldova Support Ministerial Meeting in April. In response, Minister Popescu expressed his sincere gratitude for the economic cooperation and support in various fields received from Japan, and also for the support of Japan and the Japanese people in accepting Ukrainian refugees.
- Minister Popescu explained the situation surrounding the Transnistria region. Minister Hayashi reiterated that Japan continues to support Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity.