ARMENIAN MINISTER, JAPANESE OFFICIALS DISCUSS KARABAKH, REGIONAL ISSUES

Public Television of Armenia
Nov 26 2009

Japan supports a peaceful settlement to the Karabakh problem within the
framework of the OSCE Minsk Group and in accordance with principles
of international law and welcomes the process of normalization of
Armenian-Turkish ties, the Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada
said at a meeting with his Armenian counterpart, Armenian Public TV
reported on 26 November.

Armenian Foreign Minister Edvard Nalbandyan, who was on a three-day
official visit to Japan on 25-27 November, met his Japanese counterpart
on 25 November. The sides discussed issues connected with cooperation
in international organizations, developing cooperation in education,
scientific spheres, setting up legal framework between the two
countries, visa issues, regional issues, the TV reported.

Nalbandyan informed Okada about results of the 22 November meeting
between the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents in Munich, the TV said.

Okada said Japan backs steps aimed at normalization of Armenian-Turkish
relations and voiced hope that the initialled Armenian-Turkish
protocols will be ratified and implemented, which will contribute to
establishment of peace in the region, Armenian Public TV reported.

During his visit to Japan Nalbandyan also discussed development of
Armenian-Japanese economic cooperation with the chairman of Japan
External Trade Organization Yasuo Hayashi, the TV reported. The sides
have agreed that a representative of the organization will visit
Armenia to discuss cooperation prospects with Armenian counterparts,
the TV said.