Japan to closely monitor financial developments after Greek vote

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Japanese policymakers said on Monday they will closely monitor ongoing developments following Sunday's referendum in Greece.

"The government and the Bank of Japan (BOJ), with a strong association, will continue to carefully monitor developments in financial markets," Finance Minister Taro Aso said in a statement.

But the minister said direct economic and financial relations between Japan and Greece are limited. Aso also said the government has been in contact with authorities in charge of overseas matters on the Greek situation.

In Sunday's referendum, Greek people rejected the austerity measures proposed by the European Union and other creditors. "Euro countries have been waiting for the response of the Greek government after the referendum, and I understand that they are urging Greece to take responsible measures," Aso added.

Separately, BOJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said in a statement that the government and the BOJ held a meeting earlier in the day on possible market turmoil after the Greek referendum.

"Although direct economic and financial linkages between Japan and Greece are limited, the Japanese government and the BOJ remain fully prepared to deal with possible developments in Greece," said Kuroda. "The Bank of Japan, in close cooperation with relevant domestic and foreign authorities, will continue to carefully monitor developments in financial markets." (end)