Europe

　On 7th March, Mrs. Akie Abe, spouse of the Prime Minister of Japan, held talks with Mrs. Evelin Ilves, spouse of President of the Republic of Estonia.

　Two ladies talked in a friendly atmosphere. Mrs. Abe welcomed H.E. Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of the Republic of Estonia and Mrs. Ilves’s visit to Japan. Mrs. Ilves said she had an interest in Japan for a long time and therefore she was happy to visit Japan for the first time. Mrs. Ilves also expressed her hope that the visit of this time will deepen two countries' bilateral relations.

　Mrs.Abe pointed out that the two countries share beautiful nature and respects for nature. Mrs. Ilves mentioned to her visit to hot spring, and said she was impressed by the longtime wisdom to utilize nature and the two countries share these traditions. At the end of the meeting, Mrs. Abe and Mrs. Ilves exchanged their own cooking books.

　During her visit to Japan, Mrs. Ilves visited hot spring facility in Atami, and had a chance to experience traditional Japanese culture. Her visit to Japan was a great opportunity to further deepening relationship of trust and friendship between Japan and Republic of Estonia.