Skopje, 28 February 2023 (MIA) — At the meeting with newly appointed Japanese Ambassador Otsuka Kazuya, Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi highlighted the excellent relations between the two countries and the cooperation with his predecessor Hironori Sawada and the Embassy of Japan.

According to an official press release, Parliament Speaker Xhaferi gave the ambassador his best wishes on Japan’s National Foundation Day. 

Xhaferi also thanked Japan for its technical support and donations for infrastructure, health, agriculture, small and medium-sized companies, education and other areas, saying Japan was one of the largest donors to the Republic of North Macedonia.

The Japanese Ambassador confirmed the friendly bilateral relations. He said next year, to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the countries, a Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group would officially visit North Macedonia and extended an invitation to a parliamentary delegation for a return visit to Japan. 

Ambassador Otsuka reaffirmed Japan's support for the country’s Euro-Atlantic path and “expressed hope that by next year we will complete the obligations regarding the constitutional amendments and start the negotiations with the EU,” the release says.

At the end of the meeting, the release adds, Xhaferi and Otsuka agreed that the excellent communication and cooperation between the Embassy of Japan and Parliament would continue. mr/