President of the Hellenic Parliament Meets with Ambassador of Japan to Greece

Image Credit: Hellenic Parliament

Athens — The President of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Nikitas Kaklamanis, met on Thursday with the Ambassador of Japan to Greece, Mr. Ito Koichi, in a meeting that underscored the strength and depth of relations between the two nations. The discussion, held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflected the mutual respect and longstanding friendship that have characterized Greek–Japanese relations for over a century.

President Kaklamanis emphasized that bilateral relations between Greece and Japan “are at an excellent level,” pointing to the consistent exchange of official visits and cultural collaborations as evidence of their vitality. Among the most recent examples, he highlighted the visit of Her Imperial Highness Princess Kako to Greece, which coincided with the Greece–Japan Year of Culture and Tourism and the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The visit, he said, served as a symbol of deep cultural appreciation and mutual goodwill between the two ancient nations.

Beyond cultural and diplomatic ties, both sides discussed the steady growth of economic and trade relations. President Kaklamanis noted that Greece, as a gateway to the European Union, offers significant opportunities for Japanese investment in sectors such as shipping, renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology. Japan, in turn, remains one of the most advanced economies in the world, with a reputation for innovation, discipline, and sustainable growth — values that Greece seeks to emulate as it modernizes key sectors of its economy.

Ambassador Ito expressed Japan’s appreciation for Greece’s strategic position and its role in promoting regional stability and economic cooperation. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to further enhancing trade ties and exploring new avenues for partnership, particularly in green technologies, tourism development, and cultural exchange programs.

President Kaklamanis also underlined the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening bilateral understanding. He noted that people-to-people exchanges — including student programs, academic partnerships, and joint cultural initiatives — serve as bridges that enrich both societies.

The meeting concluded with both officials reaffirming their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. As Greece and Japan look ahead to the next chapter of their 125-year relationship, both leaders expressed optimism that the foundation of friendship, respect, and shared democratic values will continue to guide their partnership in the years to come.