Rasi Visits Tokyo to Discuss Expansion of Slovak-Japanese Ties

Bratislava/Tokyo, 3 September (TASR) – House chair Richard Rasi, accompanied by House vice-chair Peter Ziga (both Voice–SD) and a delegation of Slovak MPs, visited the Japanese capital Tokyo on Wednesday, TASR learnt from the Parliament's press department on the same day. During the visit, the Slovak delegation met with Masakazu Sekiguchi, President of the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of the Japanese parliament. The discussion revolved around the deepening of bilateral relations, strengthening of economic cooperation, and preparations for a strategic partnership agreement between the two countries. Rasi also extended an official invitation to Sekiguchi to visit Slovakia. At the start of the meeting, Sekiguchi pointed to more than 30 years of significant cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. He highlighted the role of more than 60 Japanese companies contributing to the development of the Slovak economy and praised the ongoing high-level parliamentary exchange. Rasi thanked his Japanese counterpart and stressed the importance of parliamentary cooperation in fostering Slovak-Japanese relations, which encompass economic, cultural, and student exchange sectors. „Slovakia views Japan as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region and supports the development of a strategic partnership," said Rasi. According to the Slovak Parliament chair, both countries aim to sign a strategic partnership and cooperation agreement in the near future. Both sides also confirmed interest in Slovakia’s active participation in the World Expo Osaka 2025, where a Slovak National Day is planned with the attendance of Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. Sekiguchi praised Slovakia's contribution to cultural exchange and personally expressed interest in Slovak folklore, which enjoys popularity in Japan. Both officials confirmed their readiness to further strengthen cooperation in political, economic, and cultural spheres. mf