TOKYO, May 29 (News On Japan) –
Prime Minister Ishiba met with Montenegrin Prime Minister Spajic in Tokyo on May twenty eighth through the latter’s official go to to Japan, marking what each leaders described as a historic event.
The summit drew consideration not just for its diplomatic significance but in addition for a uncommon second: Spajic delivered his opening remarks completely in Japanese, underscoring his private ties to the nation.
“I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to Prime Minister Spajic. Next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Montenegro,” stated Ishiba. “Montenegro, a nation that shares values and principles with Japan, is an extremely important partner for us. It is wonderful to see EU accession negotiations progressing under your leadership. Your experience studying at Saitama University as a government-sponsored student is also a strong reassurance for Japan. I believe this may be the first time in Japanese history that a foreign prime minister has engaged in dialogue entirely in Japanese. I expect today’s meeting to be a meaningful and memorable one.”
In response, Spajic expressed his gratitude in fluent Japanese, saying, “Thank you very much, Prime Minister Kishida, for making time for this meeting. I hope this summit will open a new chapter of friendship between our two countries. I want to improve and build our bilateral relations as much as possible.”
He went on to reward Japan for its secure cooperation and emphasised a need to strengthen financial ties. “Montenegro shares the values of rule of law, democracy, multilateralism, peace, and prosperity with Japan,” he stated. “We fully support Japan’s vision for a Free and Open International Order and welcome regional cooperation and support for EU accession through the Western Balkans Initiative. As a NATO member, Montenegro takes its security responsibilities seriously and fully supports cooperation among the Indo-Pacific Four (IP4) countries. We also back Japan’s strategy to preserve freedom and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”
The assembly was broadly described as symbolic of deepening ties between Japan and the Western Balkans, as each side dedicated to increasing diplomatic, financial, and safety cooperation.
Source: TBS