Tokyo, September 12 – The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, was received today in a meeting by the Speaker of the Assembly of Japan, Tadamori Oshima.
In this meeting there was discussed about the possibility of deepening bilateral cooperation and enhancing the exchange of concrete ideas and projects between the two parliaments of our countries.
Initially, President Thaçi expressed his thankfulness for Japan’s continued support to Kosovo over the last three decades, especially in the process of state-building and the strengthening of international subjectivity.
President Thaçi welcomed the decision of the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, on the Initiative for Cooperation with the Western Balkans, aimed at deepening Japan’s cooperation and creating long-term peace in our region.
“This new focus of Prime Minister Abe and the Japanese state comes at a crucial time for Kosovo and the region. Kosovo is committed to quick membership in the EU and NATO, while it welcomes Japan’s role in contributing to peace and stability in the Balkans”, the President added.
President Thaçi stressed that after this state visit, groups should be formed within the Governments and Parliaments to design a long-term strategy of cooperation between the two states.
“The opening of the Japanese Embassy in Pristina is a concrete step in enhancing this cooperation. Now we have to look at opportunities to increase trade and economic Exchange”, he added.
At the meeting there was also discussed about the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, where President Thaçi thanked the Japanese authorities for supporting this peace project and for opening the European perspective of the Western Balkans.
On the other hand, Tadamori Oshima, Speaker of the House of Representatives has stressed that Japan and Kosovo have a similar history, where the successful state-building has been made possible thanks to the hard work of many generations.
“I believe that under your leadership the process of dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia will succeed as well, just like you have had successes in the past. Japan supports peace and stability in the Western Balkans region”, he added
Speaker Oshima informed President Thaçi about the preparations being made for the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.
President Thaçi emphasized that Kosovo is honored to participate with many athletes and expects them to return with medals to Kosovo, while Majlinda Kelmendi, who is well known in Japan, will participate again.