On February 20, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, Hakob Arshakyan, participated in the reception dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the birth of the Emperor of Japan, delivering an opening speech.

Addressing the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Armenia, Aoki Yutaka, and the guests, Hakob Arshakyan warmly congratulated them on the occasion of Japan's national holiday, the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.

He noted that Armenia-Japan relations have traditionally developed in an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, these thirty-plus years have been distinguished by the close cooperation typical of two democratic countries based on respect for fundamental human rights and democratic values.

"We highly appreciate the cooperation established between Armenia and Japan in several areas over the past years, including disaster prevention, human resources development, infrastructure, promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises, and other areas. The Government of Armenia is also grateful to the Government of Japan for the continuous support to address compatriot needs," said the NA Vice Speaker.

According to him, Armenia attaches importance to Japan's constructive and impartial stance towards the efforts of the RA Government to establish stability and peace in our region.

"At the same time, we expect Japan's more active involvement not only in the political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres but also in the formation of a security environment based on international law and the rule of law in the region, anchored on full respect for the principles of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states," noted Hakob Arshakyan.

He says bilateral economic relations occupy a special place in Armenia-Japan relations. The NA Vice Speaker expressed confidence that the efforts made by both sides in this context, including those aimed at further expanding the bilateral legal and contractual base, will provide an opportunity to promote both the volumes of trade turnover between the two countries as well as tourism and business ties and people-to-people contacts, contributing to the development of relations between the Armenian and Japanese peoples and raising the level of awareness about each other.

"I warmly remember the meeting with the President of the House of Representatives of Japan during my visit to Tokyo in September 2022, during which the Japanese colleagues pointed out the recognition of Aram Khachaturian and Komitas in Japan, as well as the presence of their works in the educational programs of music schools.

Within the framework of the same visit, during the meeting with Taro Kono, Minister of Digitalization and Digital Reform of Japan, we agreed to form a working group, as a result of whose activities I received an invitation yesterday to attend the official opening ceremony of the Tumo Center in Takasaki, Japan, scheduled for June 1," said the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, adding that Tumo Gunma will be available to 1,500 young people living in the communities of the prefecture. Programming, animation, filmmaking, game creation, 3D modeling, drawing, and motion graphics will be taught using Tumo's unique authorial educational model.

"These facts are vivid evidence that Armenia "The relations between Armenia and Japan have more than great potential, including the cultural and educational spheres. Allow me to also congratulate our friendly Japan on hosting the world's largest economic event, the EXPO 2025 World Exhibition, in Osaka this year, and wish success in the exhibition works. As you know, Armenia will also participate in the mentioned exhibition. I am convinced that it will provide a unique opportunity to present the economic, cultural, technological, educational, and tourist attractions of Armenia to the Japanese people, creating new prospects for the further development and deepening of cooperation in these areas," said the NA Vice Speaker.

Once again, congratulating our Japanese friends on the national holiday, Hakob Arshakyan assured us that no effort will be spared to revitalize Armenia-Japan relations and elevate them to a new qualitative level.