Rustam Badasyan, Armenian Minister of Justice, had a meeting with Japan’s Minister of Justice Yōko Kamikawa withing the framework of the 14th UNODC Congress in Kyoto.
Badasyan thanked for the hospitality and invitation to the congress and noted that Armenia and Japan have many similarities: ancient civilization, rich culture and innovative spirit. He highly appreciated Japan’s stance in the UNHRC over the issue of the return of Armenian PoWs, as well as the Japanese government’s 3,6 million USD support to Armenia for eliminating the consequences of the 2020 war. Referring to the Turkey-sponsored large-scale Azerbaijani military aggression against Artsakh in 2020, Badasyan noted that during the 44-day war the Armenian people witnessed gross violations of international conventions committed by the Azeri forces.
“Currently, the issue of concern for us all is the return of the Armenian PoWs. Azerbaijan refuses to return them, despite the terms of the ceasefire agreement. This is a gross violation by Azerbaijan of the Geneva Convention on Treatment of Prisoners of War,” Badasyan said.
Minister Kamikawa thanked Badasyan for taking part in the Congress. She highlighted the importance of effective bilateral cooperation and expressed readiness to continue it. Kamikawa expressed hope that the Kyoto declaration of the Congress will become a guideline for countries for strengthening the rule of law and assured Japan – as a country presiding over the congress – will continue to contribute to deepening of rule of law.
The ministers exchanged views and stressed that the high-level mutual contacts are a good basis for deepening bilateral cooperation.
