Посол - Выступления

Ladies and Gentlemen!

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you for attending our National Day reception today on the occasion of the 83rd birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. I am very glad to celebrate this very special event with all of you.

You have just heard the national anthems of Japan and Russia by the chamber choir of the Moscow Conservatory. We are honored to have the chamber choir perform for the first time at our event. The choice of performer is not a coincidence. This year the Moscow Conservatory celebrates the 150th anniversary. I recall that in May my government awarded distinctions to Mr.Sokolov, the Rector of the Moscow Conservatory and his colleagues; Mr.Sukhanov and Ms.Karatygina. Once again, I would like to thank the chamber choir of the Moscow Conservatory for the excellent performance.

Since I came to Russia almost 10 months ago, Japan-Russian relations have been developing remarkably. I really appreciate the contribution from all of you here. I believe I have a jinx on me; the jinx is that a lot of work follows me wherever I go. This time is no exception. However, as an ambassador, being busy is good because it is proof that the bilateral relationship is expanding. So I am certainly not complaining.

When I look back over these 10 months, Prime Minister Abe visited Russia twice: Sochi in May and Vladivostok in September, and he had the Summit meetings with President Putin. Strengthening of personal relations between the two leaders gives an impetus to our cooperation across all fields. We are now coordinating the visit of Foreign Minister Kishida. And exactly one month later on December 15th, President Putin is going to visit Japan. This is the first time in the history of the Japan-Russia- relationship to have a full-fledged summit-meeting 3 times only in a year.

In his speech in Vladivostok, Prime Minister Abe appealed to President Putin to carve out towards the future bilateral relations overflowing with unlimited potential and to be resolved to put forth all strength to advance together the relationship between Japan and Russia. I also would like to ask all of you here to respond to our Prime Minister’s appeal and to give us your support for a new era of Japan-Russia relations.

And now I would like to ask you to raise your glass for the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.

For the good health and happiness of all of you here in this hall.

KAMPAI!