Skopje, 2 March 2023 (MIA) – In these difficult times, when the world is facing a great challenge to the international peace and order, Japan and North Macedonia are contributing to the promotion of basic common values, such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, while strongly condemning all inhumane and cruel acts of the war. We support Ukraine together with the international community, said the Japanese Ambassador to North Macedonia, Otsuka Kazuya, at a National Day reception on Wednesday, marking the birthday of Japanese Emperor Naruhito.

“At the same time, we must continue to build bridges of understanding and cooperation, promoting peace and stability, through constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial partnerships. This is especially important in view of all the new challenges that we are facing, and it’s why Japan remains committed to aiding North Macedonia in its socio-economic development, which is key for the country’s EU integration and the reform process,” Ambassador Otsuka said.

The Japanese Ambassador said that the security and stability in Europe and beyond are threatened, and this is becoming a global issue.

“The G7 foreign ministers are committed to maintaining the rule-based international order. UN members must refrain from threatening or using force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any country in line with the UN Charter,” said the Ambassador.

Ambassador Otsuka stressed that the Russian invasion of Ukraine serves as a reminder of the need for solidarity in face of the challenges. He added that everyone must work together to maintain global peace and security.

The Japanese Ambassador stated that in its role as chair of G7, Japan invited the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kuleba, and President Zelenskyy to the meeting, where the G7 countries demonstrated their solidarity with Ukraine.

The Ambassador said he was honored to be ambassador to North Macedonia and to work on promoting bilateral relations and friendship. He noted that his ambassadorial duties began in the year marking the 60th anniversary of the catastrophic earthquake that struck Skopje in 1963.

“In the years after the earthquake, Japan joined the international support and solidarity efforts, providing significant assistance to North Macedonia. The renowned Japanese architect Kenzo Tange designed the master plan for the reconstruction of Skopje. His project provided the city with contours that are still visible even today. I would like to stress the importance of commemorating past tragedies, as a chance to consider how we could strengthen our resistance and preparedness for a future earthquake,” Ambassador Otsuka said.

The Japanese Ambassador extended his condolences to the people of Türkiye and Syria, who are currently dealing with the consequences of the earthquakes.

In his address, he touched upon the bilateral relations between the two countries, stressing that since North Macedonia became an independent state, the two countries have established great relations in various areas, and the cooperation between the two countries was especially deepened with the opening of the Japanese Embassy in Skopje in 2017.

“I want to further promote our bilateral cooperation and exchange in various areas ahead of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, set to be marked in 2024. In that context, I want to use this opportunity to express our firm commitment to support and strengthen our friendship with North Macedonia within the Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative, Japan believes that the stability and prosperity of the Western Balkan region is very important, and a stable North Macedonia plays a big role in this,” said the Ambassador.

Ambassador Otsuka said that the strengthening of bilateral economic relations is one of his priorities as ambassador, and encouraged the Japanese companies to invest in North Macedonia. ad/nn/