At the beginning of his official visit to Japan, Serbian President Boris Tadic assessed that this is a good moment to raise the relations between the two countries to the highest possible level and expressed expectation that after his visit to Tokyo, the relations between the two countries will be heading in that direction.

At a reception in the Serbian Embassy in Tokyo, attended by representatives of the political, economic and social elite of Japan, Tadic stressed that Japan respects its identity and culture as well as Serbia does.

He pointed out the extraordinary role and responsibility of Japan in view of the global politics and thanked this country for immeasurable help it offered Serbia over the past ten years.

Tadic said he is convinced that Japan can find an economic interest in the West Balkans and Serbia as its center, pointing at the same time to lively relations of the two countries in the field of sports.

Today, the Serbian President will have a series of official talks that will commence with the meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, while Emperor Akihito will receive him on Wednesday.

Tadic is also scheduled to meet representatives of the leading Japanese companies and to participate at the business forum organized by his hosts.