President Levits thanked Mr Nakasone for the years of strengthening Latvia-Japan relations. He also underlined that as like-minded partners Japan and Latvia have traditionally built bilateral relations on shared vision of common values and respect for the rule of law and human rights. Although both countries are far apart geographically, we have very similar mentality. ‘Mutual fascination draws the Latvian and Japanese culture towards each other and creates a strong bond between our two countries,’ said Egils Levits.
President and Chair of the parliamentary friendship group praised the flourishing cooperation between Latvian and Japanese twin cities. Riga and Kobe will celebrate 45 years and Rūjiena and Higashikawa will celebrate 11 years since the beginning of their friendship.
President Levits confirmed Latvia’s commitment to continue close political and economic dialogue and promote cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts with Japan. Egils Levits also underlined the need to expand cooperation in education and science, including student and academic teaching staff exchange programmes.
Egils Levits and Hirofumi Nakasone discussed potential cooperation in transport and logistics, IT, pharmaceutical, tourism industries and innovation. President Levits added that tourism in Latvia is a growing industry with strong growth potential. Mr Nakasone praised Latvia’s rapid growth and emphasised that Latvia is a role-model in terms of gender equality.
In conclusion of the meeting, President of Latvia mentioned Coronation of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako and stressed that this outstanding historic ceremony will always be one of his most vivid memories. Mr Nakasone underlined that the unity of Latvian people during the 2018 Song and Dance Festival has made a lasting impression on him.
