Montenegro plans to open an embassy in Tokyo as soon as possible.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said this tonight in Podgorica, at the official reception on the occasion of the birthday of the Emperor of Japan.
He stated that he lived and studied in Japan, adding that he is working to ensure that Montenegro experiences economic growth "for which it has the potential".
Spajić said that tonight's ceremony is an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between Montenegro and Japan, countries that inherit a traditional friendship that, according to him, dates back to the time of the Principality of Montenegro.
He pointed out that the communication about the celebration of the jubilee - 20 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries (in 2026) has started, saying that the potentials of cooperation will get concrete outlines.
He added that the country is preparing for the World Expo (EXPO) in 2025, which will be held in Osaka.
Apart from Spajić, the reception in Podgorica was attended by the President of the Assembly Andrija Mandić, Minister of Culture Tamara Vujović, Minister of Sports Dragoslav Šćekić, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Ranko Krivokapić, representatives of the diplomatic corps...
Japanese Ambassador Akira Imamura announced at the ceremony that Japanese Emperor Naruhito will turn 23 on February 64, and that it is a public holiday in Japan.
He reminded that diplomatic relations between Montenegro and Japan began 18 years ago, when Montenegro became independent, but that the first contact between the heads of state dates back to 1884, when, as he explained, Emperor Meiji and Prince Nikola exchanged decorations.
One of those honors was highlighted at the reception.
Imamura pointed out that, since the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced the "Initiative for cooperation with the Western Balkans" in 2018, relations between the two countries have been progressing, based on two pillars.
"Japan's support for the reforms of Montenegro's accession to the EU and the promotion of regional cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans", he stated.
The ambassador said that Japan provides assistance to Montenegro in the development of the private sector, but also through grant projects in the fields of education, social protection, prevention of natural disasters and environmental protection.
He reminded that the Japanese company "Daido metal" has been operating in Montenegro for 20 years, and that its president was appointed as the honorary consul of Montenegro in Japan.
"Cooperating with the Government of Montenegro, we are ready to provide the necessary support in the hope that more Japanese companies will start doing business in Montenegro in the future," said Imamura.
The former ambassador of Montenegro to Japan on a non-resident basis, Jovan Mirković, also spoke at the reception, who gave a short presentation on the history of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
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