[Ambassador] Reception to Strengthen Cooperation with Sister Cities
2022/7/25
On July 8th, “Friends of Japan” reception was hosted by Ambassador Shimokawa at his residence with a view to cementing new and old relationships between the partner cities, relevant institutions and individuals in Japan and Belgium. In his opening remarks, hearing the sudden news of the death of the former Prime Minister Abe, Ambassador Shimokawa extended his heartfelt condolences, while strongly condemning such barbaric acts of violence. A moment of silence was observed afterwards in memory of Mr. Abe.
The 8th edition of the reception of this event was attended by a diverse range of representatives from Belgian sister cities and friendly cities, Japanese companies doing business in these cities, academics contributing to Japan-Belgium relations, relevant Japanese Governmental organisations such as Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and so forth. The Governor of Namur Denis Mathen and former Governor of Limburg, Herman Reynders also joined the event.
Ambassador Shimokawa mentioned that the year 2021 marked 50 years since the establishment of sister city relations between Ghent and Kanazawa, while this year Waterloo and Nagakute are celebrating 30 years anniversary of their sister city relations. He thanked all those involved for the efforts made to build up and maintain amicable relations over the past years between Japan and Belgium.
The reception gave a rare opportunity for the participants of various industries and sectors to get to know each other and exchange new ideas.
The 8th edition of the reception of this event was attended by a diverse range of representatives from Belgian sister cities and friendly cities, Japanese companies doing business in these cities, academics contributing to Japan-Belgium relations, relevant Japanese Governmental organisations such as Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and so forth. The Governor of Namur Denis Mathen and former Governor of Limburg, Herman Reynders also joined the event.
Ambassador Shimokawa mentioned that the year 2021 marked 50 years since the establishment of sister city relations between Ghent and Kanazawa, while this year Waterloo and Nagakute are celebrating 30 years anniversary of their sister city relations. He thanked all those involved for the efforts made to build up and maintain amicable relations over the past years between Japan and Belgium.
The reception gave a rare opportunity for the participants of various industries and sectors to get to know each other and exchange new ideas.