Strengthening Moldova–Japan relations: Speaker meets with President of Japan–Moldova Parliamentary Friendship Group

Speaker Igor Grosu held an official meeting today with Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan’s Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications. The meeting marked an important point in the bilateral dialogue, given that Yoshimasa Hayashi also serves as President of Japan–Moldova Parliamentary Friendship Group in Japan’s legislature.

Discussions between the two officials focused on identifying new ways to bring the two states closer together despite the geographical distance. Igor Grosu, who in turn chairs the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Japan in the Chișinău legislature, emphasized the desire to create a solid framework for expanding the partnership in several strategic directions.

According to the Speaker, these areas include trade and investment, with a focus on identifying opportunities to attract Japanese capital into the national economy; legislative cooperation and intensifying dialogue and exchange of experience between the parliaments of the two countries; as well as solidarity and support.

During the talks, Igor Grosu expressed the gratitude of the authorities in Chișinău for the constant and unconditional support offered by Japan. The Moldovan official highlighted that Japanese assistance has in recent years turned into tangible support for citizens, strengthening Japan’s image as a “sincere friend” of the Republic of Moldova.

This meeting reconfirms the commitment of both states to transform diplomatic relations into a driver of development and modernization, based on shared values and mutual assistance.

The Republic of Moldova is hosting on 2–3 May 2026 the visit of Japan’s Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, Yoshimasa Hayashi, marking the first visit of a member of the Japanese Cabinet to our country.

Yoshimasa Hayashi, who also holds the position of president of the Japan–Moldova Parliamentary Friendship Group, is a prominent figure in Japanese politics, having previously held key positions such as Chief Cabinet Secretary and Minister for Foreign Affairs. The official delegation will also include Shigeharu Aoyama, State Minister for the Environment of Japan.

The agenda of the Japanese official includes meetings with the leadership of our country: President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu; Speaker Igor Grosu; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi; Minister of Internal Affairs Daniela Misail-Nichitin; and Minister of Economic Development and Digitization Eugen Osmocheșu. A central point of the visit will be the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in the digital field between the relevant ministries of the two countries. This document lays the foundation for a solid technological partnership designed to support the Republic of Moldova’s modernization and digitalization efforts with top-tier expertise from Japan.