GUAM Secretary General was received by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in Ukraine

On January 28, 2016, the Secretary General of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development –GUAM, Mr. Altai Efendiev, was received by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in Ukraine, Mr. Sumi Shigeki.

During their conversation, the Parties exchanged views on the current status and prospective areas of cooperation within the GUAM-Japan format. In particular, the Secretary General expressed gratitude to the Ambassador of Japan in Ukraine for consistent and active cooperation with GUAM countries in areas of importance regarding the economic development and diversification of economies of the GUAM countries, and also for promoting active cooperation between the GUAM countries in these areas.

The Parties expressed mutual interest in further expanding and deepening cooperation, and also noted the importance of the Cooperation Program between GUAM and Japan, which was signed at the Third meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of GUAM – Japan (on December 3, 2015 in Belgrade).

The Ambassador of Japan in Ukraine stressed the necessity for the practical implementation of ongoing training workshops and programs for applying Japan’s best practices in the GUAM countries. In particular, noting the successful outcome of joint activities in the field of tourism, agriculture, energy, etc., the Ambassador of Japan in Ukraine noted the importance of the practical use of the acquired knowledge and skills.

In particular, noting the GUAM region’s growing interest in Japanese tourists, there has been shown greater interest in developing joint tourist products, improving hotel services, developing the souvenir industry and related services in order to develop the unique identity of the GUAM countries on the global touristic market and to increase the region’s attractiveness. The Parties expressed their interest in furthering cooperation in this direction.

The Parties also noted the importance for GUAM countries of the subject being addressed at the “Environment – Waste Management” Workshop, which will take place in Japan on February 21-29, 2016, and also interest in applying Japan’s experience in the GUAM countries.

The Parties agreed to maintain regular contact in order to coordinate and enhance the effectiveness of cooperation.