Excellences, distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to welcome all of you today to celebrate together birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. This year marks the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Armenia. I am very pleased that we can hold the reception here in Yerevan in this commemorative year.

Indeed this year has become a special one for our two countries. A series of events celebrating the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations were held both in Japan and Armenia. In June this year, His Excellency President of Republic of Armenia, Mr Sargsyan visited Japan. I am convinced that this historic visit generated momentum to further strengthen the ties between our countries. During the visit, «Joint Statement on Further Deepening of Friendship and Partnership between Japan and the Republic of Armenia» was signed between President Sargsyan and Prime Minister Noda. Japan is willing to further develop the bilateral relations on that basis.

In the «Joint Statement», disaster management is referred to as one of the main pillars of cooperation between the two countries. Cooperation in this area is our common interest, as Japan and Armenia both have suffered from big earthquakes in the past. During his stay in Japan, President Sargsyan visited the disaster-stricken Tohoku area, and graciously encouraged people who suffered from the earthquake and tsunami in 2011. This memorable visit to the site was widely reported through media in Japan, and it deeply impressed the Japanese people.

In this regard, let me introduce to you one more episode. Soon after the earthquake last year, one Armenian gentleman visited our Embassy of Japan in Moscow, and offered a prayer for Japanese people with his donation. At that time he told us: «in the big earthquake in Armenia in 1988, I lost my son and five relatives. I was also wounded in the cheek. Now the damage of earthquake in Japan is broadcasted on TV, I cannot be indifferent to the matter. I will do anything I can do, so please let me know if you need my help». This touching episode was also reported in Japan and deeply moved Japanese people. It symbolically tells us how warmly and genuinely ordinary Armenian people are thinking of Japan.

Today I must recognize that a number of dedicated Armenian people have been ever contributing to development of Japan-Armenia relationship. To those who have made distinguished contributions for a long time, as Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Armenia, I would like to award «Certification of Commendation» following this speech, with deep sense of gratitude. Also may I remind you of the upcoming cultural event, Japanese Film Festival in Yerevan. It will start at the movie theater «Moscow» from tomorrow evening, and we welcome you there.

Let me conclude by reiterating my sincere appreciation for you, along with my determination as Ambassador to maximize the efforts to further develop relationship between Japan and Armenia, in full cooperation with our Armenian friends and colleagues. I wish you and your families all the best.

Thank you very much for your attention.