Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki, together with the Macedonian ambassador Andrijana Cvetkovic and Miki Yamada, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs opened Wednesday evening the Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia in Tokyo, Japan.

Poposki addressing the present guests said that embassy’s opening is a historical moment in Macedonian – Japanese relations and represents a logical step following 21 years of successful bilateral relations between the two countries, Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

The people of Macedonia will never forget the moments of help from Japan when it was mostly needed, such as the disastrous earthquake in 1963 in Skopje. Japan is a country which provides us with financial and technical assistance for years. One such example is the last donation to our country aimed dealing with migrant influx, Poposki said.

He underlined the importance of the work of Kenzo Tange in the reconstruction of the ruined capital city after the devastating earthquake in 1963. In his honour he presented a special gift to Michiko Uchida, Kenzo Tange’s daughter. Poposki also granted certificates for appreciation for outstanding contribution in fostering bilateral relations to Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Macedonia to Japan Msatake Matsuda, the former Honorary General of the Republic of Macedonia in Japan Kiyoshi Mizuno and the President of the Japan-Macedonia Friendship Association Fumio Furuya.

Numerous guests, representatives of the diplomatic corps in Japan as well as representatives of the business community attended the embassy’s opening ceremony.

Ambassador Cvetkovic also addressed the event who highlighted the progress in Macedonian-Japanese relations since the beginning of her mandate.

The Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia for a year, succeeded to attract many friends thus bringing Macedonia closer to Japan. In the future we expect opening of the Japanese Embassy in Macedonia in order to further advance the bridge of our friendship that is being built for 21 years, Cvetkovic said.

The ceremony also included presentation of short video related to the history of the Macedonian – Japanese bilateral relations. Also Macedonian natural beauties and delicious food and traditional folk songs were also presented. The music program was enriched by the performance of Macedonian songs by opera singer Kazuhiro Kotetsu.