Public Diplomacy
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kentaro Sonoura Attend a Reception to Commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership and the Abe Fellowship Program
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Mr. Sonoura, State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Ms. Kennedy, U.S. Ambassador
1. In the afternoon of November 15, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, and Mr. Kentaro Sonoura, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended a reception to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP) and the Abe Fellowship Program. The reception was attended by approximately 200 guests who are involved in Japan-U.S. relations, including Ms. Caroline Kennedy, U.S. Ambassador, and speakers who had participated in the Anniversary Symposium prior to the reception.
2. The CGP was established within the Japan Foundation in 1991 on the initiative of the late Shintaro Abe, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, as an organization for implementing wide-ranging exchange between Japan and the United States. In his address, Prime Minister Abe noted that the late Foreign Minister Abe’s founding principle for the CGP was to cultivate a network of knowledge to pave the way for the future so that Japan and the United States would take initiatives to solve the issues in the world. The Prime Minister expressed his expectation for the CGP and the Abe Fellowship to continue to make further achievements in the future and also stated that through the Japan-U.S. Alliance, Japan and the United States would continue to tackle issues in order to build the better future of the world.
3. At the reception, messages were introduced to congratulate the CGP’s 25th anniversary and wish for the continued development and growth of the organization. Among these was a video message from Dr. George P. Schultz (former Secretary of the Treasury of the United States), who served as Secretary of State at the same time that the late Mr. Shintaro Abe served as Minister for Foreign Affairs, and who is also Special Advisor to the CGP. And in recognition of the long years of dedicated service and accomplishments of Dr. Schultz, the President of the Japan Foundation presented him with a special commendation.
