Message by Japanese
Minister for Foreign Affairs Koichiro GEMBA on the 20th
Anniversary of New Diplomatic Relations between Lithuania and Japan
I wish to extend my warm congratulation on the
20th Anniversary of the Japan-Lithuania Diplomatic Relations and on
the opening of the Photo Exhibition to commemorate the anniversary and to pray
for the Reconstruction after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
On October 10, 1991, the then Japanese and
Lithuanian Foreign Ministers exchanged their letters to establish diplomatic
relations. Since then, the bilateral
relationship has been steadily developed, and the two countries have become
partners sharing the common values of freedom, democracy and market
economy. Our collaboration to support
reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan is a good example.
Lithuania has been playing an increasingly
active role to cope with not only regional but also global challenges. Based on our traditional excellent
relationship, I will further strengthen our cooperation in our bilateral
relations as well as in international areas as Foreign Minister of Japan.
In 2001, the then President, H. E. Mr. Valdas Adamkus, paid an
official visit to Japan, and Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress visited
Lithuania in 2007. Last week, Speaker of
the Seimas Ms. Irena Degutiene and her delegation had a highly successful visit
to Japan, by exchanging candid views with Japanese Government, Parliament and
business representatives. Furthermore,
exchanges between our two countries have been accelerated at various levels.
I understand that people of Lithuania are
keenly interested in Japan and Japanese culture. After the news of the Great East Japan
Earthquake was broadcasted, we received countless warm messages and support
from the Government, Seimas and people of
Lithuania. On behalf of the Government
and the people of Japan, I extend my heartfelt appreciation once again. The Japanese people will never forget this Kizuna, or bond,
with the Lithuanian people. Though the
affected area still faces many challenges, I am tackling the task to
reconstruct with stronger enthusiasm than anyone else, as a politician from the
Fukushima Prefecture. Japan will
continue to put the utmost priority on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of
the affected area, and will realize the rebirth of Japan without a days delay.
I wish wholeheartedly that the relationship
between Japan and Lithuania will be further enhanced.
