Посол - Выступления

 

 

Приветствие Посла по случаю приема в честь Дня Рождения Его Величества Императора Японии (на английском языке)

 

 Your Excellences, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen!


   I would like to express my deepest appreciation to you all for attending our National Day reception on the occasion of the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. I am very glad to celebrate this special day with all of you.

 

   This year marks the 160th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Commerce, Navigation and Delimitation between Japan and Russia of 1855 which established the diplomatic relations between Japan and Russia.

 

   Looking back at the history of Japan-Russia relations we may see that depending on times and various factors there were both good periods and periods including tense situation.

 

   However, I would like to underline that even though both countries have different positions on some international issues, the good and stable relations between Japan and Russia, the two important neighboring countries, and their constructive cooperation in the international arena would contribute to the interests not only of both countries and people, but also of the international community including the Asia-Pacific Region.

 

   From such viewpoints, no matter what situations may arise, the Government of Japan will continue its dialogue and deepen the cooperation with Russia in a wide range of areas.

To cite just a few recent examples of high level dialogue, Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Kishida, visited Russia in September and held a Foreign Ministers’ meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Lavrov and co-chaired with First Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Shuvalov the session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Issues. In September and November Prime Minister Abe held summit meetings with President Putin.

Japan will continue to develop steadily the bilateral relations in broad areas through dialogue and cooperation.


It is a pity for me and my wife to tell you that we will return to Japan after 4 years and 7 months of my mission here. My diplomatic career in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan covers 42 years and more than half of this period I have been engaged in the relations with Russia including the former Soviet Union. I feel particularly deeply moved since Russia is, so to speak, my second home. Thanks to your support and friendship in both official and private life we have spent a very pleasant and fulfilling time here. On this occasion, my wife and I would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of you.

My successor, Ambassador Kozuki, is an expert on Russia, and his appointment to Moscow will be the fourth time in his career. I would like to ask you to render the same friendship and support to Ambassador Kozuki and his spouse as you have rendered to us.


Now let me propose a toast for the eighty second Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, and for the good health and happiness of all of you here in this hall. KAMPAI!