Japan is one of Romania’s closest and most valued friends and partners, Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca said on Monday, adding that this is demonstrated by the fact that bilateral relations will be raised, soon, to the level of strategic partnership, according to Agerpres.

PM Ciuca participated in the celebration of the National Day of Japan – the birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito.

„It is a great pleasure and honor for me to send you my warmest congratulations on the occasion of the birthday of His Majesty Naruhito, the Emperor of Japan. On behalf of the Government of Romania, I would like to convey to Japan and the Japanese citizens wishes for peace, prosperity and success in the era of beautiful harmony – Reiwa. Japan is one of the closest and most appreciated friends and partners, a fact demonstrated by the bilateral relations between our countries which will soon be raised to the level of strategic partnership”, said Ciuca.

He emphasized that, in this way, a new chapter will be opened in the centuries-old history of diplomatic relations between Romania and Japan.

„It is both a recognition of the constant progress we have witnessed throughout the long history we share, and an important step towards the future. As strategic partners, Romania and Japan will build an even closer, more innovative relationship and better adapted for the benefit of our citizens”, highlighted the prime minister.

According to him, the two countries have a significant unexploited potential for cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

„Together we are working to expand our portfolio in strategic areas such as nuclear and clean energy, connectivity, research and development. Ambitious plans and projects are in the focus of our experts. At the same time, we are steering our bilateral agenda towards a new, innovative course with a special focus on start-ups, robotics, artificial intelligence, cutting-edge information and communication technology. The Romanian Government is determined to fulfill its promise to complete these projects as soon as possible,” Nicolae Ciuca said.

He mentioned that there are also symbolic links between the two countries: „The suspension bridge over the Danube, which will soon be completed by a consortium of companies including a Japanese builder, is one of these symbolic links”.

The inter-human connection represents the most important asset of the Romanian-Japanese partnership, added the prime minister.

The Prime Minister conveyed his most cordial wishes for health, long life, prosperity and success to His Majesty Naruhito, as well as peace and prosperity to the Japanese people.

„I express my confidence that the Romanian-Japanese friendship will strengthen and be sustainable”, he concluded.

Agerpres