20:44,
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Armenia emphasizes Japan's constructive role and balanced position in the settlement of various problems in the South Caucasus region, ARMENPRESS reports Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan announced at the reception organized on the occasion of the birthday of Japanese Emperor Naruhito at the Embassy of Japan in Armenia.
Armenia and Japan celebrated the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations last year. The Deputy Prime Minister noted with satisfaction that over the past 3 decades, by joint efforts, a close cooperation based on goodwill and mutual understanding has been formed between the two peoples and states. Armenia attaches great importance to the further strengthening of friendly relations and cooperation with Japan, taking into account Japan's contribution to the region and the world in the promotion of peace, democratic institutions, disaster prevention and environmental protection capacity development.
"For us, the constructive role and balanced position of Japan in the settlement of various problems in the South Caucasus region is very important. We highly appreciate Japan's support for exclusively peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict, within the framework of the co-chairmanship of the OSCE Minsk Group, in the context of which the decision of the Japanese government in 2021 to provide humanitarian aid in the amount of 3.6 million US dollars to the victims of the war unleashed against Artsakh was highly appreciated. Now again the people of Artsakh need your support," said the Deputy Prime Minister.
He emphasized that starting from December 12, 2022, Artsakh has been under siege, which has led to a humanitarian crisis. The Lachin Corridor is a life road for 120 thousand people living in Artsakh, who have almost exhausted the available food, medicine and energy resources.
"The settlement of the situation requires the international community's response and practical steps. In this regard, Japan's position is also important," Khachatryan said.
Armenia highly appreciates the call made by the Japanese Ambassador to Armenia on January 10 of this year to ensure the freedom and safety of movement along the corridor, as well as the understanding of the issue expressed by the Japanese side during the phone conversation between the Armenian Foreign Minister and the Japanese Foreign Minister on January 31.
The Armenian government appreciates the aid policy of the Japanese government, within the framework of which grants and technical assistance are regularly provided. Japan ranks among the largest donor countries for Armenia in terms of official aid.
"We see greater potential for the growth of economic ties and cooperation in various fields," said Khachatryan, congratulating friends of Japan on the occasion of the national holiday.