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MINSK, 31 January (BelTA) – Japan has implemented 36 projects to supply medical equipment to institutions located in the Belarusian regions affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident, Hiroki Tokunaga, Charge d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to Belarus, said as he attended an event held at the House of Friendship in Minsk on 31 January to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Belarus and Japan, BelTA has learned.

“The relations between Belarus and Japan have been developing rapidly. Every year Belarus gets financial assistance under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects program of the Japanese government,” the diplomat said. Belarus joined the program in 2004. Since then, Belarus’ areas affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident have been receiving medical equipment from Japan.

Hiroki Tokunaga pointed out that Belarus and Japan have been cooperating actively in addressing the consequences of nuclear accidents. A joint Belarusian-Japanese committee has been set up to deal with relevant matters. Besides, every year Belarus hosts children from Japan’s Fukushima Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture who come for recreation and health improvement purposes.

The Japanese diplomat stressed that in the anniversary year, Belarus and Japan have bolstered the exchange of visits, including visits of MPs and representatives of ministries. Besides, the number of Japanese companies eager to establish business ties with Belarus is increasing.

The solemn event at the House of Friendship was attended by representatives of ministries and government agencies, the Belarusian Society of Friendship and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, and university students. The guests were invited to enjoy a concert that featured Olga Milyuta, a soloist of the Belarusian Armed Forces Academic Song and Dance Ensemble, and also the Minsk-based amateur choir Polifonica who performed songs in Belarusian and Japanese.