Press Releases
Japan-Moldova Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
November 12, 2024
On November 12, commencing at 11:00 a.m., Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Mihai POPȘOI, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, during his visit to Japan, for approximately 25 minutes. Overview is as follows.
1. Bilateral Relations
- (1) At the outset, Minister Iwaya congratulated President Sandu on her re-election in the recent Moldovan presidential election and noting that the constitutional amendment on Moldova's accession to the EU was passed in a referendum, he stated that Japan would continue to support Moldova's democracy and EU accession process.
- (2) In response, Foreign Minister Popșoi expressed his gratitude for Japan's support for Moldova and his desire to continue strengthening relations with Japan in complex and difficult times.
- (3) The two Ministers agreed that the two countries, as partners who share values and principles, would work together to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. They also concurred on further developing bilateral relations in various fields, including by taking advantage of next year's Osaka-Kansai Expo.
2. Situations in Ukraine and Support for Moldova
- (1) Minister Iwaya stated that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is an outrageous act, which shakes the very foundation of the international order, and that Japan is providing strong support to Ukraine and imposing robust sanctions against Russia. He then showed his respect to Moldova for hosting a large number of displaced persons from Ukraine, and added that Japan is supporting Moldova, which is facing the consequences of the aggression, and would continue to support Moldova’s development through its assistance in such areas as agriculture, infrastructure, and industrial development.
- (2) In response, Foreign Minister Popșoi expressed his gratitude for Japan's support, and stated that Moldova would support reconstruction in Ukraine.
- (3) The two foreign ministers concurred on continuing to work closely in light of the international circumstances including tense situations in Ukraine.