Press Releases
State Minister for Foreign Affairs HORII’s attendance at the St Patrick’s Day Reception
March 13, 2026
On March 13, Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended the St Patrick’s Day Reception held at the Embassy of Ireland in Tokyo, and delivered his remarks on behalf of the Government of Japan. From Ireland, Mr. Seán Canney, TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, attended the reception and talked with State Minister HORII. The overview of his remarks is as follows:
- In his remarks, State Minister HORII emphasized that Japan and Ireland have built a long-standing friendship. He highlighted that last year was particularly fruitful for Japan-Ireland relations, marked by visits made by H.E. Mr. Micheál Martin, T.D., Taoiseach, Prime Minister of Ireland and several other ministers to Japan. He further noted that bilateral relations have been steadily advancing at various levels and across a wide range of fields, with the newly opened “Ireland House Tokyo” serving as a hub.
- State Minister HORII further underscored that, in light of the many challenges facing the international community, the significance of deepening cooperation between Japan and Ireland, which share fundamental values and principles, is increasing. Looking ahead to the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ireland next year, he expressed his hope to further strengthen bilateral relations and deepen cooperation in the international arena.