Japan-Moldova Summit Meeting

On December 3, commencing at from 9:20 a.m., for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Summit Meeting with H.E. Ms. Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova, who visited Japan for the participation to World Assembly for Women (WAW! 2020). The summary of the meeting is as follows.

1. At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his gratitude to President Sandu, the first female president of Moldova, for her participation in WAW! and his expectations for meaningful discussions at the meeting. President Sandu express her gratitude for being invited to the conference and willingness to contribute to the dialogue through sharing the experience of Moldova. 

2. Prime Minister Kishida showed the appreciation for the efforts made by Moldova, in accepting the displaced people following Russia’s aggression to Ukraine of which number exceeds more than 20% of Moldova’s population. Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan has decided to provide additional assistance which values approximately 27 million USD in the areas of health, food, energy, gender, etc. to Moldova, which is under a heavy burden caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Referring to the requested financial support, Prime Minister Kishida mentioned that Japan will seriously consider the possibility of such assistance based on the current situation in Moldova. 

3. In response, President Sandu expressed her appreciation for Japan's multi-sectoral assistance to Moldova since its independence, as well as for the ongoing assistance or those under consideration following the Russia’s aggression to Ukraine. The expectation for the further investment by the Japanese companies was shown. Moreover, President Sandu explained about the current difficult challenges in economy or energy which Moldova is facing. 

4. The two leaders also exchanged views on the regional issues in East Asia.