Speech on the occasion of the Opening Ceremony of the Emergency Centre of the University Clinical Centre of Pristina
By Prof. Akiko Yamanaka, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan

Pristina, Kosovo
6 May 2006

Prime Minister and distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Government of Japan, I am delighted to attend this opening ceremony for the upgraded Emergency Centre of the University Clinical Centre of Pristina.

This project was implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in Kosovo and supported by Japan's Trust Fund for Human Security with contribution of 379 thousand dollars. I would like to express my appreciation to the UNDP in Kosovo and the other authorities concerned for making this important project a success.

Japan is fully aware of the challenges faced by Kosovo in providing essential social services, such as health and education. A lack of sufficient emergency medical treatment capabilities is one of these challenges. The upgrading of the Emergency Centre of the University Clinical Centre of Pristina will assist medical staffs to provide better quality health services to patients throughout Kosovo as well as contributing to saving many lives.

I believe that the opening of the Emergency Centre deepens friendship, fosters mutual understanding and strengthens ties between peoples of Japan and Kosovo.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I hereby officially hand over this new facility to the representatives of the University Clinical Centre of Pristina.