Rasi: Strengthening Strategic Partnership with Japan Is Crucial

Tokyo, 4 September (TASR) - House chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) met with Fukushiro Nukaga, Speaker of the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the Japanese parliament, on Thursday during his visit to Japan, the Parliament's press department informed TASR on the same day, adding that they focused on deepening the economic cooperation, supporting investment and sharing a common position to the current international challenges, including the war in Ukraine. However, the talks also revolved around Nippon Steel establishing its only European branch in Slovakia through the acquisition of U. S. Steel in Kosice. "Mr. Nukaga expressed his interest in a successful development of this investment, recognising that the company is the largest employer in eastern Slovakia," said Rasi. During his visit to Japan, Rasi is accompanied by House vice-chair Peter Ziga (Voice–SD) who said that there are currently more than 60 Japanese companies operating in Slovakia which are research and innovation leaders in their respective fields. Their meeting also resulted in a commitment to strengthen the political and cultural ties and, for the most part, the economic relations between both countries. Rasi informed his counterpart about the upcoming visit of Slovak President Peter Pellegrini to Japan, as well as the planned Slovakia Day at Expo 2025 in Osaka. At the end of their talks, he invited Nukaga to visit Slovakia and bring a delegation of Japanese businesspeople so that mutual relations could turn into specific economic projects that will help Slovakia's economy, science, and research. Since Slovakia is seen by Japan as a very serious and reliable European partner, our goal is to sign a strategic cooperation agreement that will open up the doors and simplify mutual trade between our countries, added Rasi. jrg/mcs