Press Conference 8 July 2003

1. 150th anniversary of beginning of relationship between Japan and United States of America
2. Dispatch of survey mission on education to Iraq
3. Upcoming visit to Japan by Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi of Malaysia

1. 150th anniversary of beginning of relationship between Japan and United States of America

   Press Secretary Hatsuhisa Takashima: Good afternoon, today I have three announcements I would like to make.

   The first announcement is about the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the US-Japan relationship.

   Today, 8 July 2003, marks the 150th anniversary of the arrival of American black ships commanded by Commodore Matthew Perry in Uraga and the beginning of the relationship between Japan and the United States of America, which was followed by the signing of the US-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity in the following year 1854.

   To commemorate this 150th anniversary, Japan and the United States are conducting various events in both countries throughout this year and next on various levels, especially of voluntary organizations of private citizens. These events include a symposium on the US-Japan relationship to be held on 11 July in Washington, DC, a ceremony to commemorate the landing of Commodore Perry to be held at the landing site in Uraga on 12 July, and the official ceremonies of the 150th anniversary of the US-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity to be held both in Washington and Yokohama in April next year.

   On the occasion of this anniversary, which is an important milestone in the much eventful history of relations between Japan and the United States, the Government of Japan hopes that the two countries will be able to further deepen mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples, and build an even more fertile relationship for the future.

   For more details, please visit our website.

   Related Information (150th Anniversary of the US-Japan Relationship)
   
2. Dispatch of survey mission on education to Iraq

   Mr. Takashima: The second announcement is on a survey mission to Iraq.

   The Government of Japan decided to allocate US$500,000.00 from the Trust Fund set up at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the rehabilitation of Iraq in the fields of education and culture. This money is for the dispatch of a survey team to Iraq to find out what is needed in Iraq in the field of education.

   The team will be formed by specialists from various countries, including a Japanese education expert from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

   Related Information (The Issue of Iraq)
   
3. Upcoming visit to Japan by Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi of Malaysia

   Mr. Takashima: The third announcement is about the visit by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia.

   Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs of Malaysia, Dato'Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi, will be visiting Japan from 9 to 13 July as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

   Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah, who is designated to succeed Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad in October this year, will meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi and other officials of the Government of Japan during his stay in Tokyo.

   Related Information (Japan-Malaysia Relations)