Remarks in November 2007
Mr. Shigenobu Kato, Ambassador of Japan, delivered a speech at the award presentation ceremony for Ikebana International Jordan Chapter on 8 November 2007
Mr. Ghassan Tanash, Director of Cultural Organizations and Festivals, on behalf of H.E. Minister of Culture,
Her Highness Sharifa Hind Naser, Founding President of Jordan Chapter of the Ikebana International,
Mrs. Hind Shalan, Current President of the Jordan Chapter,
Distinguished Successive Presidents and Members,
I have the pleasure of welcoming you all at my residence on this auspicious occasion. This is a very special day for me as Ambassador of Japan to Jordan to host such an important function to honor Jordan Chapter of the Ikebana International with Commendation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.
H.E. Mr. Taro ASO, the then Foreign Minister, announced this recognition on the 9th of July 2007 on the same day as the anniversary day of the founding of the Foreign Ministry of Japan. Hoping to celebrate this historical ceremony with many members as possible and in very fine weather, I decided to hold it in this beautiful season. It is also worth mentioning that autumn is considered in Japan as most cultural season, so that the Japanese Government appointed the 3rd of November as Culture Day, a national holiday for promotion of culture.
Jordan Chapter of the Ikebana International has made invaluable contributions to strengthening the friendship and partnership that exist between Japan and Jordan, through promotion of Ikebana, and I am very much pleased that it received this recognition, which I believe it fully deserves.
Due to the fact that the accomplishments of the Jordan Chapter are very well known to all of us being here, I will not talk about its long and rich achievement throughout the last twenty years. However, I have to emphasize that not only am I impressed with its long history, but also I am very encouraged at the increased number of its active members and their day to day enthusiastic commitment to the development of Ikebana both in improving personal skills as well as in spreading its beauty in Jordan.
In conclusion, I promise to do my utmost to further enhance and upgrade cultural ties between our two countries in cooperation with Jordan Chapter of the Ikebana International.
Thank you and congratulations on your great achievements.
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