RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan received Japan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia Fukushima Masanori.

Artur Martirosyan, deputy minister of ESCS, was also present at the meeting.

Zhanna Andreasyan welcomed Ambassador Fukushima Masanori and emphasized the development of Armenian-Japanese friendly ties, expressing his belief that the ambassador will further strengthen and deepen relations between Armenia and Japan.

"Perfect prerequisites have been created for strengthening cooperation between our two countries in the fields of education, science, culture, sports, and youth and implementing new joint projects. The Japanese government implements various grant support programs in the regions of Armenia with several state organizations, which is highly appreciated," said Zhanna Andreasyan, highlighting Japan's investment participation in the socio-economic development of Armenia.

The minister of CGMS emphasized, in particular, the grant project "Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects," within the framework of which the Japanese government implemented more than 80 projects in the Republic of Armenia. In the framework of "Grassroots" programs (GGP) during the last years, six grant agreements were signed in the RA Ministry of Education and Culture.

Ambassador Fukushima Masanori thanked them for the reception, emphasizing that Armenia is their essential partner. He also noted that there is much greater potential for close cooperation between the two countries in education, science, culture, sports, and youth.

Zhanna Andreasyan expressed willingness on behalf of the Science Committee to cooperate with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan and the Japan Society for the Development of Science to implement cooperative projects.

The parties also highlighted the prospects of cultural cooperation, particularly the possibility of holding joint exhibitions and concerts. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Armenia Fukushima Masanori said that several cultural events are planned shortly on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Zhanna Andreasyan drew the ambassador's attention to the issue of the humanitarian crisis established in Nagorno-Karabakh. She hoped that the international structures would take appropriate actions and steps to resolve the issue. The minister emphasized that several fundamental rights of around 120,000 people, including 30,000 children, were violated due to the humanitarian crisis. "They have been under siege for more than 60 days; they are deprived of several fundamental rights. Due to the impossibility of food supply, and the periodic interruptions of gas and electricity supply by Azerbaijan, educational processes are almost not carried out in kindergartens, schools, and other educational institutions, which is unacceptable. When we talk about technological advances and scientific development, a humanitarian crisis is happening next to us, which should concern us all. I think an international response will contribute to the settlement of the situation."

Ambassador Fukushima Masanori, on behalf of the Japanese government, expressed his concern about the current situation. He noted that they closely follow the developments and attach importance to ensuring freedom of movement and security along the Lachine Corridor.

Other issues of bilateral interest were also discussed during the meeting.