Opening Reception for Mekong-Japan Exchange Year 2009

January 20, 2009

1. In the afternoon of January 20 (Tue), Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs, hosted the opening reception of the Mekong-Japan Exchange Year 2009. Over 300 guests attended the event, which was held at the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka in Tokyo.

2. At the outset, Foreign Minister Nakasone gave a commemorative speech in which he stated that the five countries in the Mekong region (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam) are of great importance to Japan, and that earlier in the month he had paid visits to Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. He further stated that the relations between Japan and the Mekong region span a broad range of areas, and that this reception would mark the beginning of exchange projects to be held this year in a wide range of fields. He said that he would like to take the opportunity of the exchange year, with its slogan "Together toward the future, Mekong and Japan," to work to strengthen the relationship between Japan and the region.

3. Next, representing the ambassadors to Japan of the five countries of the Mekong region, H.E. Mr. Suvidhya Simaskul, Ambassador of Thailand to Japan, gave a speech in which he explained that as the five countries of the Mekong region had worked together closely to narrow the gap within ASEAN, Japan was the country that had contributed most to improving the region's infrastructure, such as the East-West Economic Corridor. He also stated that the time had come to strengthen personnel exchanges between Japan and the region, and that on the occasion of the Mekong-Japan Exchange Year, the people of the two regions would surely forge closer ties as a result of youth and cultural exchanges. He also noted that the future of both regions would depend on the young people.

4. Following the speeches, a tape-cutting ceremony was held to commemorate the opening of the Mekong-Japan Exchange Year 2009.

5. In addition, commendations were presented to the creators of the official Mekong-Japan Exchange Year 2009 logo and slogan, which were based on submissions from the public and judged by the governments of the five countries of the Mekong region and Japan.

6. These events were followed by performances of traditional arts from Japan and the five countries of the Mekong region, to the great enjoyment of those in attendance.

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