Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Armenia was Hosted at ASUE for the 1st Time
ASUE Rector Diana Galoyan hosted Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Armenia, H.E. Mr. Masanori Fukushima and Second Secretary of the Embassy Rika Onodera, then the Ambassador met with the University academic staff members. Welcoming the honored guest, Diana Galoyan highlighted the perspective of developing the Armenian-Japanese relations.
"I hope the Ambassador's visit will open wide opportunities for ASUE in terms of starting and promoting cooperation with Japanese Universities. We admire the example of education system in Japan, rich culture, rapid development of information technologies. I am sure that this visit, which is the first, but certainly not the last one, will create stable bases for long-term cooperation"; ASUE Rector stated.
Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, the Ambassador said that he would do his best to deepen the Armenian-Japanese economic relations, to strengthen the cooperation between ASUE and the Universities in Japan. The Ambassador was sure that the agreements reached during the visit would create a basis for future student-lecturer exchange programs and mutual visits.
Masanori Fukushima noted that ASUE students were talented, and the Ambassador personally got acquainted with ASUE student Davit Melkumyan, who took the first place in the annual Japanese language competition this year, encouraging the young man to become more proficient in learning Japanese. Masanori Fukushima already knows some Armenian words and expressions.
Then, those present listened to the open lesson-presentation on the Armenian-Japanese economic, educational and cultural issues.
Although close communication with the Japanese diplomat has just started, but ASUE students started to get acquainted with Japanese culture and country peculiarities since last year, when the "Japanese Studies" course was introduced in ASUE Chair of International Economic Relations and the teaching of the course was entrusted to Anna Vardanyan, a lecturer at Chair of Finance, PhD in Economics, Japanese expert. With new and interesting teaching methods she helps students to study the Armenian-Japanese relations, especially the experience of one of the developed countries in different branches of the economy.
Anna Vardanyan, who has been engaged in Japanese studies for about 20 years, is the author of revealing several historical-cultural facts of Armenia-Japan relations, was the first student from ASUE who left for Japan in 2000, and studied there for two years. She noted that the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Armenia-Japan diplomatic relations will be celebrated next year, within the frames of which various scientific and cultural events will be organized, in which the University of Economics will also participate.