DUSHANBE, 18.09.2017. /NIAT “Khovar”/. The Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in Japan hosted an official reception on the occasion of the 26th Anniversary of State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan and 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Tajikistan and Japan.

According to the MFA Information Department, the event attended by Mr. Masahisa SATO, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan on behalf of the Government of Japan as a chief guest, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan Mr. Shuji YAMADA, Member of House of Councillors of National Diet of Japan and Member of Tajikistan — Japan Parliamentary Friendship League Mr. Keizo TAKEMI, government officials, heads of the departments and divisions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), President of Japan International Cooperation Center Ms. Sachiko Yamano, former ambassador of Japan to Tajikistan,  Executive Vice President of Japan External Trade Organization Mr. Koji YONETANI, President and CEO of President of Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) Mr. Keisuke KUROKI, Governor of Japan Bank for International Cooperation Mr. Akira KONDOH, foreign ambassadors and diplomats headed by Dean of Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of San Marino  Mr. Manilio Cadelo, business and academic circles, members of Tajikistan — Japan Friendship Association, representatives of the mass media, as well as fellow Tajik citizens — professor of Japanese University and students studying at present in Japan.

In his solemn speech, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to Japan Dr. Hamrokhon ZARIFI noted the remarkable achievements of the country in the period of independence, underlined the special significance for the Tajik people of gaining state independence — a symbol of stable and firm sovereignty, the most important asset and the main holiday of modern Tajikistan. The Ambassador also spoke about the priorities of the foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan and the importance of existing mechanisms for the further development of cooperation between Tajikistan and Japan.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr. Masahisa SATO on behalf of the Government of Japan expressed heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the 26th Anniversary of State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan and 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Tajikistan and Japan. Mr. Masahisa Sato highlighted the key role of Tajikistan in ensuring regional security and socio-economic stability of the region, noted the achievements in bilateral and multilateral friendly relations between Tajikistan and Japan, and called for expanding ties using the existing great potential for development of cooperation. State Minister for Foreign Affairs also shared positive memories of his visit to Tajikistan in 2014, during which he headed the official delegation of the House of Councillors – upper house of the parliament of Japan.

Congratulatory message on behalf of the Tajikistan-Japan Parliamentary Friendship League delivered by Member of the House of Councillors of the Japanese Parliament, Mr. Keizo TAKEMI, who noted the intensification of bilateral political dialogue and expressed mutual interest in enhancing further cooperation.

The first meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, which was held in April 2017 was mentioned as part of follow-up of the reached agreements in the light of the outcome of the meeting of the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan His Excellency Emomali Rahmon and Prime Minister of Japan H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe. Holding the meeting of Intergovernmental Commission will lead to the strengthening the existing platform of trade and economic cooperation and give a new impulse to its further development. It should be noted that next week Mr. Keizo TAKEMI will pay a working visit to Tajikistan.

The promotion of the culture and ancient history of the Tajik people held during the event. The guests of the event were able experience the traditional spirit of warm Tajik hospitality, an atmosphere of friendship and kindness.