Japan interested in developing cooperation with Armenia, PM Abe tells President Sarkissian in Tokyo
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YEREVAN, OCTOBER 24, ARMENPRESS. President Armen Sarkissian had a meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his working visit to Tokyo.
Abe welcomed Sarkissian’s participation in Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement ceremony, as well as his first visit to Japan in the capacity of President of Armenia. PM Abe said that Armenia is an important partner for Japan and that Tokyo is interested in developing cooperation. “Armenia is rich in history, culture and traditions. Based on this you are focused on new technologies and innovations by looking into the future,” the Japanese Premier told President Sarkissian.
Thanking for the invitation to participate in the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito, Sarkissian said: “Although we are quite far from each other geographically, we are close with values, our culture and history. We are both ancient peoples who in different senses have many similarities. We must look forward. The future implies cooperation. I am sure that together we can achieve a lot.”
The Armenian President pointed out innovation, IT, AI, mathematical modelling, big data management to be promising sectors for partnership.
In this context Sarkissian presented ATOM (Advanced Tomorrow), one of his presidential initiatives aimed at technological and scientific development in Armenia. “We will be happy to also see Japanese enterprises in our country as part of this project,” he said.
Mentioning that Japan was among the first countries to provide assistance to Armenia after the 1988 earthquake, President Sarkissian said: “Armenia highly appreciates Japanese assistance to our country in emergency situations management and fight against natural disasters and prevention”. He also attached importance to expanding cooperation in nuclear safety and regulations, including nuclear waste management and predictability of earthquakes.
Mentioning that the two countries have signed an agreement on liberalization, encouragement and protection of investments, Sarkissian said that Armenia can be viewed as a trading platform given its strong banking system and membership to the EAEU.
PM Abe said the two countries have a need to know each other and each other’s possibilities better. He highlighted informing Japanese companies about the potential and possibilities of cooperation with Armenia.
“It is important to notify companies about the big potential that Armenia has, as well as inform them that you, as President, are highly focused on the development of such important sectors,” the Japanese PM said.
In this context he highlighted organizing a joint business forum.
On behalf of the Armenian Government, President Armen Sarkissian invited PM Abe to visit Armenia. “We will be happy to host you in our country,” he said.
Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan