MINSK, 19 February (BelTA) – Belarus is intent on promoting full-featured relations with Japan. Belarusian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Dapkiunas made the statement in his speech during a solemn event held on the occasion of the birthday of the emperor of Japan, BelTA has learned.
The diplomat stressed that the traditional participation of top officials of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in events timed to national holidays of Japan in Belarus represents a testimony of genuine respect for the country as well as the desire to promptly advance full-featured bilateral relations. “We strongly hope for a friendly response from the Japanese side on the matter,” Andrei Dapkiunas noted.
“Today's Japan causes a dialectic combination of two positive associations all over the world: a country of progress and a country of traditions. The hard-working Japanese people has secured formidable results not only in conventional economy branches but also in the development of cutting-edge technologies and innovations,” the deputy minister of foreign affairs continued. Andrei Dapkiunas drew attention to the willingness of the Japanese nation to preserve thousand-year-old traditions and a respectful attitude to history.
Since the ascension of Emperor Naruhito to the Chrysanthemum Throne, a new imperial era Reiwa began. It can be translated as order, harmony, and blooming peace. “The name most fittingly describes the modern Land of the Rising Sun as a country intent on peace and prosperity, an international dialogue and mutual assistance,” Andrei Dapkiunas believes.
The diplomat pointed out that the Belarusian nation and the Japanese one are connected by many years of friendship. “We remember and appreciate the aid and attention Japan has provided and continues providing to Belarus for the sake of overcoming consequences of the Chernobyl disaster. Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Program helps bolster ties between the two countries not only at the interstate level, but, which is very important, at the human, interpersonal level,” the deputy minister of foreign affairs is convinced.
Andrei Dapkiunas stressed that nine years ago Belarus received news about the accident at the Japanese nuclear power plant Fukushima with pain in heart. The disaster brought the Belarusian nation and the Japanese one even closer to each other.
“Partnership relations between our countries have a large potential, which can be implemented by greatly increasing the volume of bilateral trade, by setting up joint ventures, by promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in science, R&D, and investments,” the diplomat is convinced. “Economic relations should not be limited purely to the territories of our countries. As a member of the Eurasian Economic Union Belarus offers considerable opportunities for joint projects on the common market of the union.”
Andrei Dapkiunas is convinced that 2020 will be a significant year for the Japanese history: “Thanks to Japan's rich experience of hosting international sport events the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo will become the most prominent event of the year on a global scale.”
Andrei Dapkiunas wished good health and a long life to the emperor of Japan and peace and prosperity to the Japanese people. He also wished good health and a long life to Akihito, the father of the Japanese emperor.
Emperor Naruhito ascended to the throne on 1 May 2019. His father Akihito was the 125th emperor. He was the emperor of Japan for nearly 30 years and made an unprecedented decision last year when he decided to abdicate voluntarily citing his advanced age as the reason.
The emperor's birthday is a state holiday in Japan.
