Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., welcomes 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D. and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr Taro Aso, today issued a joint declaration welcoming the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan.
The declaration stated/the Minister said:
“We, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, welcome the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan. Our two countries are united by shared values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law and, over the past fifty years, these fundamental values have formed the bedrock of an increasingly close relationship. The manifold contacts and links between Ireland and Japan extend further back in our shared history, but in the period since the opening of diplomatic relations on March 5, 1957 these links have grown and developed as Irish and Japanese people have deepened their understanding of each other through common endeavour and mutual exchange.
In 2007, the two countries pledge to renew this friendship through the promotion of contacts and exchange at all levels and in all areas between our two island nations. In particular, the two Governments undertake to work together in support of international peace and security through our shared membership of the United Nations and other international organisations. On the bilateral plane, Ireland and Japan agree to further deepen the political, economic and cultural relationship.
Recognizing that a deeper relationship will come about through greater exchange between our two peoples, the two Governments encourage Irish and Japanese men and women to contribute to the commemorative programme of events taking place in Ireland and Japan throughout 2007”.
A list of commemorative events taking place in 2007 in Tokyo and Dublin will be available shortly on the respective websites of the Irish Embassy in Tokyo (www.irishembassy.jp/) , and the Japanese Embassy in Dublin (http://www.ie.emb-japan.go.jp/).
ENDS++
14th December 2006
Press Office
