Foreign Minister Taro Kono on Monday expressed his gratitude to his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu for Ankara’s efforts in securing the release last month of a freelance Japanese journalist held captive in Syria. During a joint press appearance with Cavusoglu in Tokyo, Kono said Turkey is an important strategic
Foreign Minister Taro Kono on Monday expressed his gratitude to his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu for Ankara’s efforts in securing the release last month of a freelance Japanese journalist held captive in Syria.
During a joint press appearance with Cavusoglu in Tokyo, Kono said Turkey is an important strategic partner as Japan steps up its engagement in the Middle East. They also agreed to enhance bilateral economic relations with an eye on a free trade accord.
« I’d like to express my gratitude again to President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan, Foreign Minister Cavusoglu and Turkish government officials for their assistance with regards to the recent release » of journalist Jumpei Yasuda, Kono said.
