Moldova's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Andrei Popov has met with Japan's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Kazuyiki Hamada to discuss the entire range of issues on the agenda of the Moldo-Japanese relationship, the Moldovan MFA said in a press release. The interlocutors appreciated how the Moldo-Japanese relationship has developed during these 20 years of diplomatic ties, stressing the need to enhance them, including by intensifying bilateral political dialogue. Among the issues on the meeting agenda were the continuity of the assistance programs, the attraction on Japanese investments, and the prospects of fostering Moldovan exports to Japan. The interlocutors also highly appreciated the reciprocal support offered within international organizations, in particular the UN and its specialized agencies. The Japanese official reiterated the availability of his country to further support Moldova to promote democracy and the principles of market economy as well as to implement projects in diverse areas. For his part, Andrei Popov expressed our country's gratitude for the assistance offered by Japan, noting that the projects implemented with the Japanese government's help are necessary and efficient. Until present, Japan has offered Moldova over $72 million in non-reimbursable aid and about $48 million in loans. A separate issue discussed was the prospect of intensifying cooperation in the GUAM-Japan format, which would manifest in a number of concrete projects – the development of a common tourist product, cooperation in disaster management and in the energy area. GUAM-related issues will also be on the agenda of a meeting planned with the Special Representative of the Japanese Government Yutaka Iimura. In another development, reiterating Japan's interest in the success of Moldova's democratic and economic reforms, the Japanese official also welcomed the recent election of a President. Andrei Popov's visit agenda also includes meetings with the leaders of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and with members of the academic community, as well as thematic presentations at the Japanese Institute of International Relations and the Shizuoka University.