JAPAN - BEAUTIFUL HARMONY
COMMENT
Celebration of Mutual Respect
AND FRIENDSHIP
For many years, excellent bilateral relations between Japan and Serbia did not lead to equally successful economic dealings. Today, however, it seems that the tide is gradually turning, with the investment of Japanese company Toyo Tires, one of the world's largest manufacturers of tyres, representing just the latest achievement. It is also a good omen during a time when the two countries are celebrating the 140th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
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Western Balkan region. t the end of 2020, Serbian President Aleksandar Following the historic 2018 visit of Japanese Prime Vučić received the credentials of newly appointed Minister Abe, many Japanese investors have come to view Japanese Ambassador Takahika Katsumata, who Serbia as a significant regional centre for the CEFTA and the conveyed a message from Emperor Naruhito to Western Balkan areas, which has helped to deepen relations him. President Vučić returned the greetings and sent an between Belgrade and Tokyo in terms of economic exchange. invitation for the Emperor of Japan to visit our country, Japanese companies increasingly seeing Serbia as a emphasising how this would be an exceptional opportunity to source of highly skilled labour. Furthermore, the remarkable mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between progress made on economic reforms and fiscal consolidation Belgrade and Tokyo. hasn’t gone unnoticed. As a result of diplomatic efforts, as If the situation permits, a visit of Emperor Naruhito well as the engagement of the Japanese Business Alliance in would provide an excellent opportunity to further improve cooperation and the friendship between the two countries. The two countries have jointly decided to If the situation permits, a visit of Emperor Naruhito establish the year of 1882, which corresponds would provide an excellent opportunity to further with the reigns of Serbian King Milan Obrenović improve cooperation and the friendship between and Japanese Emperor Meiji, as their year of friendship. Bilateral relations between Serbia and the two countries Japan have been improving constantly for many Serbia, the Japanese business community is well informed years, both politically and economically, with interest in the about the conditions offered in Serbia. Serbian market increasing among Japanese investors lately. Foreign trade with Japan has been increasing gradually Japan has, for many years, been among the most significant over previous years, reaching a level of around 200 million contributors to Serbia in terms of technical and material euros, which may be more than during the previous period donations, with that total valued at 507 million euros over but still leaves plenty of room for improvement. the past 20 years. Beyond economics, there is also an opportunity for the Japan sees the stability of the Western Balkans not two countries to increase their cooperation even further merely as a regional and European issue, but also as a in the fields of science and technology, innovation and strategic issue for Japan. In that respect, Japan has shown technological development, and sport. its appreciation for Serbia’s role in promoting peace and And with sport in mind, we’re really looking forward to stability in the Western Balkan region, resulting in Japan the upcoming Olympic Games to be hosted by Japan and continuously supporting economic reforms in Serbia and would like to wish the competing Japanese and Serbian the country’s EU accession aspirations, while Japan also athletes lots of success. encourages cooperation between countries within the
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