Japan-Armenia Relations
Japan-Armenia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
February 17, 2018
On February 17, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who visited Munich, Germany, to participate in the Munich Security Conference, held a Japan-Armenia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with H.E. Mr. Edward Nalbandian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, which started at 2:00 p.m. local time (10:00 p.m. Japan time). The overview is as follows.
- In opening remarks Minister Kono noted that Japan and Armenia are important partners that share fundamental values, referring to the mutual visits by high rank figures and variety of economic and cultural events that took place in 2017, the year that marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-Armenia diplomatic relations. He also expressed his hope to further strengthen bilateral relations. He also expressed his hope that the Japan-Armenia Investment Agreement, signed on February 14, will lead to further activation of business between the countries in IT and other sectors.
- Minister Kono also stated that Armenia is located at a connecting point between Europe and Asia and thus plays an important role in terms of regional stability, which brings about Japan’s special attention to bilateral relations with Armenia.
- In response, Minister Nalbandian expressed his expectation that the conclusion of the Japan-Armenia Investment Agreement will become an opportunity to further develop economic relations, and his willingness to continue strengthening bilateral relations in a broad range of areas.
- The two ministers also had wide-ranging exchanges of opinions on global issues, including the situation in North Korea and mutual cooperation in the international arena, including UN Security Council reform.