Press Releases
Visit of Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs SHIMADA to the United Kingdom and France (result)
From September 6 to 9, Mr. SHIMADA Tomoaki, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visited the United Kingdom and France.
1. Visit to the United Kingdom
(1) Visit to Japan House London
On September 7, Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA visited Japan House London, one of Japan's strategic communication hubs. Guided by Director General and CEO Mr. Sam Thorne, he toured the facility including the exhibition “Kyotographie” and exchanged views on strengthening strategic global communication.
(2) Exchange of Views with UK Ekiden Organizers
On the same day, Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA exchanged views with organizers of Ekiden in the U.K., including Ms. Anna Dingley, UK Ekiden Founder, and confirmed further collaboration in bilateral cultural and sports exchanges.
(3) Meeting with Ms.Stephanie Peacock MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
On the same day, Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA held a meeting with Ms. Stephanie Peacock MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Both sides exchanged views on bilateral cultural and sports exchanges as well as strengthening strategic communication and confirmed continued cooperation between Japan and the U.K. as “Enhanced Global Strategic Partners.”
(4) Exchange of Views with Japan Society Representatives
On the same day, Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA held a meeting with The Rt Hon Greg Clark, Chair of the Japan Society, one of the most traditional Japan-related organizations in the U.K., and Dr. Michael Rivera King, Chief Executive, and exchanged views on further promoting Japan-U.K. exchanges.
2. Visit to France
(1) Meeting with Mr. Dov Lynch, Director of the Office of the Director-General of the UNESCO Secretariat
On September 8, Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA visited UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and held a meeting with Mr. Dov Lynch, Director of the Office of the Director-General of the UNESCO Secretariat.
Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA expressed his appreciation to the UNESCO Secretariat for its support, leading up to the World Heritage Committee’s decision in July to inscribe the Japan-nominated property, “Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara” on the World Heritage List. Also, in order to contribute to the peace and development of the international community, Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA expressed Japan’s intention to further strengthen our cooperation with UNESCO in various fields.
Director of the Office of the Director-General Lynch welcomed Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA’s visit to UNESCO Headquarters and expressed appreciation for Japan’s longstanding support for UNESCO’s initiatives across various fields.
(2) Visit to the Japan Cultural Institute in Paris
On the same day, Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA visited the Japan Cultural Institute in Paris, which is operated by the Japan Foundation, an independent administrative agency, with support from Japanese and French companies. The Institute serves as a center for the promotion of Japanese culture and cultural exchange between Japan and France. Guided by Mr. Suzuki HITOSHI, President of the Institute, Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA toured the facility and exchanged views on the current situation of cultural exchange between Japan and France through the activities of the Institute.