Dobrý deň vážené dámy, vážení páni,
Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today we are celebrating the 76 th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor, as Japan’s National Day. This year we are also celebrating the 20 th Anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne. Thank you very much for being here with us.
When we look back at 2009, Japan and the EU both have gone through significant changes. The Lisbon treaty entered into force and the new EU started. In Tokyo, after ruling of the Liberal Democratic Party for half a century, a new government of the Democratic Party of Japan was formed in September, and Dr. Yukio Hatoyama assumed office as prime minister. The new EU and new Japan have a lot to cooperate to cope with global issues.
During this year, our relationship between Japan and Slovakia was deepened.
Last month, Foreign Minister Dr. Lajcak made his first official visit to Japan. He had a fruitful discussion with new Japanese Foreign Minister Mr. Okada, and met with Speakers of both Houses of Parliament. He also briefed on recent Slovak developments to the Japanese business leaders. His visit surely consolidated our bilateral relations and laid the foundation for further development.
I witnessed that Japanese companies here have been doing their best to fight against the current economic and financial crisis in every place of Slovakia. I was very much encouraged by and appreciate their efforts. Japan and Slovakia still have an ample room for further expansion of economic relations.
Our Embassy and I made at most efforts to introduce Japanese cultures as much as possible, so that Slovak people could have a better understanding of our country. Participation in summer festival in Hlavne Namestie, tea ceremony in my residence, ikebana, calligraphy workshops in the Embassy, Traditional Japanese Theater of Narrative Song and Puppet----- all these events brought soul of Japanese culture to Slovak people. I also appreciate Slovak people‘s own initiative in comic salon, bonsai and suiseki exhibitions.
This year has been a good year to Japan and Slovak relations. I want to push it one step forward next year. By the way if a Japanese team and Slovak team have a chance to play each other in the coming world cup, I am more than happy.
Once again, thank you very much for coming today.
Finally, coming back to the reason for our today’s celebration--- I should like to propose a toast to the well-being of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, and the further development of our two nations.
Na zdravie!!!
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