The
Minister
of Foreign Affairs met with
the
Parliamentary
Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan
The
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr
Ioannis Kasoulides, met today with the Parliamentary Vice-Minister
for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr Takao Makino, who is on a two-day
official visit to Cyprus.
In
his statements after the talks, Minister Kasoulides welcomed the
Japanese Vice-Minister and noted that this visit is of particular
importance and constitutes a tangible proof of the joint commitment
to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.
During the meeting, the two Ministers discussed, inter alia, ways for
further enhancing bilateral collaboration in the sectors of
investment, science and education and examined issues of mutual
concern including the forthcoming Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).
Minister Kasoulides also briefed the Parliamentary Vice-Minister on
the Cyprus issue.
Minister
Kasoulides noted that they also discussed the on-going negotiations
between the EU and Japan for a free trade agreement and a strategic
partnership agreement in the light of the latest round of
negotiations in Tokyo and expressed his satisfaction for the progress
made.
Moreover, Minister Kasoulides stated that during lunch they will
discuss issues related to the latest developments in Asia and the
Middle East.
The
Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan
underlined that Japan supports a peaceful solution of the Cyprus
problem and asked for Cyprus’ support on the on-going negotiations
between EU and Japan.
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