MINSK, 1 July (BelTA) - The forum “Belarus - Japan: Towards restoration of dialogue" was held in Tokyo on 1 July, BelTA learned from the Belarusian Embassy.
The event was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Japan in cooperation with the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BelCCI). It was timed to coincide with the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The forum was attended by diplomats, Japanese MPs, representatives of educational institutions, public organizations and business circles of the Japanese capital and prefectures of Gifu, Ibaraki, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hokkaido.
In his speech, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Japan Ruslan Esin noted that Belarusians together with the fraternal Russian people and friends from other countries defended peace on the Belarusian land and then restored peaceful life. "We have achieved impressive results in economy, science and most importantly in improving the living standards of our peaceful and hardworking people," he said.
The diplomat also called on the Japanese side to preserve and build bridges of friendship and cooperation between the two peoples, and not to look at Belarusians through the prism of sanctions.
Honorary Consul of Belarus in Hokkaido Prefecture Masato Matsuura announced the launch of the association for the development of cooperation in mass sport "Ship of Goshkevich" in Japan. Representatives of a number of Japanese companies shared their experience of working with Belarusian partners - manufacturers of linen fabrics, leather, furniture, glass and with the Free Economic Zone Mogilev. The forum also discussed the impact of sanctions on the development of bilateral relations and explored the possibilities of using the Trans-Siberian Railway for the transportation of goods between Belarus and Japan.
The forum participants toured the photo exposition dedicated to the cooperation between the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus and Japanese trade union organizations. It also featured the proposals of Belarusian enterprises, including members of the BelCCI. A photo book dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Belarus and Japan was presented on the sidelines of the event.
