PM Đukanović hosts Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Motome Takisawa

Podgorica, Montenegro (5 September 2016) -- Prime Minister Milo Đukanović hosted earlier today Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Motome Takisawa. On that occasion, the letters by prime ministers of Japan and Montenegro, Shinzo Abe and Milo Đukanović, were exchanged regarding the tenth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which emphasise mutual satisfaction with boosting cooperation and voice willingness for its further development in the common interest.

The Prime Minister said that this visit is a gesture of attention and respect of the Government of Japan to Montenegro and its citizens on the occasion of the important jubilee. He thanked Mr Takisawa for Japan's support and diverse assistance to economic and democratic development of Montenegro. He particularly referred to the work of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), through which the development assistance of nearly EUR 19 million has been implemented. The Prime Minister confirmed Montenegro's commitment to the continuation and further improvement of bilateral cooperation, especially in economy, tourism, education, science and development of new technologies, and expressed satisfaction that, in addition to the presence of Daido Metal, other prestigious Japanese companies have shown interest in investing in Montenegro as well. He also stressed the importance of expanding regulatory infrastructure for strengthening bilateral relations.

Parliamentary Vice Minister Motome Takisawa said that Montenegro and Japan have developed relations based on mutual trust, cooperation and friendship. He is pleased that his visit will make a  symbolic  contribution to the celebration of the jubilee in the relations between the two countries. He is hopeful that the current successful presence and operations of the Japanese companies in the Montenegrin market, primarily referring to the Daido Metal company, stimulate interest of other Japanese investors. He pointed out that the Government of Japan appreciates the efforts Montenegro has made on its path towards the European Union, particularly in the field of strengthening of democracy and the market economy. Mr Takisawa also thanked the Government of Montenegro and the citizens for their support after the devastating earthquake hit Japan in 2011.

The two officials also exchanged opinions on the possibility for a greater number of students, researchers, engineers, doctors, civil servants and other young professionals to be educated in the prominent educational and scientific research centres in Japan, thus encouraging the exchange of experience and transfer of know-how in various fields of mutual interest. To this end, they highlighted importance of maintaining high-level political contacts.