Love Letter from Brussels
I hope it will be a wonderful year! (No.29)
January 12, 2016
I wish everyone a happy new year. I am looking forward to your continuous support this year as well.
150 Years of Friendship
Finally, the long awaited year of 2016 is here. It’s the beginning of the 150th anniversary of friendship between Japan and Belgium. Starting with the opening ceremony at the Egmont Palace on 19 January, a variety of events is planned throughout the entire year to celebrate this occasion. This too is possible thanks to your cooperation. By all means, join our celebration and enjoy!
More information about the events this year can be found on the 150 Years of Friendship website: http://www.be.emb-japan.go.jp/150jb/jp/
Japan’s Role
Japan’s role in the international society in 2016 is more important than ever.
First of all, Japan was elected a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in October last year. This is the 11th time that Japan has assumed this role, which is more than any other UN member state.
On the other hand, on 6 January North-Korea announced that it conducted a nuclear bomb test. As a result, many diplomatic efforts are being made. The Security Council plays a central role in this, which makes it possible for Japan, being a member of the Council, to play a leading role. This also means that Japan carries a great responsibility, but as for the government of Japan, we intend to fully fulfill our duties.In addition, this year is also the year in which Japan is the host (chair) country for the G7 Summit. The summit itself is set to take place on May 26-27 in Ise-Shima but in addition, various meetings at ministerial level such as the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will also take place in Japan. Through these activities, Japan is prompted to steer the direction of the big debate on problems that the international community is facing right now and on important issues for the future. Whether we like it or not, we are confronted with many problems. I hope that Japan will play its part in order to guide matters, even slightly, in the right direction.
Taking a view of the world…
Next, let’s take a look at the world and see what kind of year 2016 will be.
First of all, this year is the year of the presidential election in the United States. The party’s presidential primary elections start in February, but the general election itself will take place in November. During this time, the United States government will of course keep functioning normally but it will be slightly more complicated to make important decisions and take important actions. Even after the new president is inaugurated in January 2017, this kind of situation drags on for another half year.
In addition, it is very likely that the UK’s referendum on EU membership, which is set to take place by the end of 2017, will be held earlier, in 2016. The result will strongly influence the future of the EU and is something to absolutely keep an eye on.Aside from this, the Taiwanese presidential election will take place this January and the Philippine presidential election in May. As for Europe, 2017 will be an important year in which both the German general election and the French presidential election will be held. Furthermore, the Russian presidential election will take place a little bit later, in 2018.
Anyhow, it looks like it will be another eventful year. I wish everyone a wonderful new year, from the bottom of my heart.