The Government of the Republic of Armenia

The Prime Minister said to be highly appreciative of the assistance provided to the government and the people of Armenia for several years now with a view to implementing structural and economic reforms, infrastructure development etc. and extended his gratitude for fruitful cooperation and support. The Prime Minister also emphasized the Note on alteration of the amount of the loan made available under the May 29, 2005 exchanges of notes with the aim of strengthening Armenia's efforts for economic stabilization and development to be signed on May 27, 2008 with the RA Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. The Note provides for the allocation of additional funds to Armenia's energy sector which is another step forward on the way to continued effective cooperation and our country's enhanced energy security. Tigran Sargsyan prioritized the activation of the efforts of the intergovernmental commission which according to him offers good opportunities for discussion of issues of mutual concern, work coordination and submission of proposals on extra projects and new areas of collaboration. In this context, the Prime Minister mentioned tourism, research and development, small and medium-size enterprise and a number of other sectors as prospective areas for mutually beneficial cooperation.

During the meeting, the need for establishing Armenia's embassy in Japan was emphasized on either side. Ambassador Yasuo Saito expressed readiness on the part of the Japanese authorities to possibly assist Armenia with this task considering that the future embassy would help strengthen the Armenian-Japanese relationship. The interlocutors have also referred to the cooperation on the international arena, inclusive of the United Nations.