On Monday, April 9, Mr. Yoshihiko Noda, Prime Minister of Japan, received a courtesy call by H.E. Mrs. Tsetska Tsacheva, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria, who was visiting Japan upon the invitation of the President of the House of Councillors, for approximately 15 minutes from 5:30 pm. The overview of the meeting is as follows:

1. Prime Minister Noda welcomed President Tsacheva's first visit to Japan and expressed his appreciation for the support from Bulgaria in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake as well as for her visit to the affected area on the occasion of this visit to Japan.
   
   
2. President Tsacheva stressed once again the solidarity of the people of Bulgaria with the Japanese people concerning the earthquake and stated that she was moved by the efforts by Japanese people toward restoration from the damage.
   
   
3. Moreover, President Tsacheva stated that she would like to make efforts for strengthening of the bilateral relationship, including on economy and tourism. President Tsacheva also expressed her expectation toward investment and introduction of technology from Japan.
   
   
4. Prime Minister Noda, stating that there is increasing interest in Bulgaria among Japanese enterprises, requested cooperation from President Tsacheva for improvement of the environment for investment. Prime Minister Noda also stated that the Japan-EU economic partnership agreement (EPA) is important for Japan-EU cooperation.
   
   
5. Finally, Prime Minister Noda mentioned the active cultural exchanges between the two countries, and expressed his expectation that the Japan-Bulgaria relationship will be further enhanced by President Tsacheva's visit to Japan.