Celebrating the 20th Year Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with Timor-Leste on the occasion of Japan’s National Day on February 21: Official Dinner with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
2022/2/21
Ambassador Masami Kinefuchi
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, H.E. Ms. Adaljiza Magno
Japan celebrates the Emperor’s Birthday, February 23, as the nation’s National Day. In 2022, the Embassy of Japan celebrated the 62nd birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan in three separate events in due consideration of Covid-19 surge in Timor-Leste in February and March. The first event was an official dinner at the Ambassador’s residence on February 21 inviting the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, H.E. Ms. Adaljiza Magno as the guest of honor.
In the event, Ambassador Masami Kinefuchi stated, “Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have not been able to celebrate the National Day here in Timor-Leste for the last two years, so this is the very first celebration under His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito.”
“Actually, this evening’s celebration has another significance, as this year marks the 20th anniversary of the formal relationship between Japan and Timor-Leste. Looking back, we have come a long way, nurturing friendship and solidarity for the last 20 years. It was in 1999 that Japan hosted the first international donor’s conference to support nation-building of Timor-Leste in Tokyo. Soon after that, then-Prime Minister Koizumi visited Dili to embrace the restoration of independence, and made Japan’s lasting commitment to support this young nation’s development. And so we did.”
“You all know how Japan helped Timor-Leste’s reconstruction and development during all these years. And Timor-Leste, on the other hand, has been a great friend of Japan and Japanese people. For example, in 2011, we were really touched by your support and solidarity when Japan was hit by a huge earthquake and tsunami. Also we truly appreciate your continuous support for Japan in various international scenes over the last 20 years.
We have built a strong relationship based on mutual respect and commitment to support each other as true friends.”
“Since my arrival two years ago, Japan’s assistance has focused on the fight against Covid-19 pandemic. The amount of our assistance is $20 million in this particular area only. Another area of our strong support is disaster recovery and future disaster prevention. We have also come to the final stage of concluding a large scale new assistance for food and nutrition programs that will amount to $6 million.
Turning our eyes to the future, the construction of the new airport terminal is our first priority infrastructure project. Its impact to the future of this country is enormous. This will be a landmark project of our continuous friendly relations and will become a symbol of solidarity for the coming 20 years and beyond.”
“Let’s build a bright future, hand in hand together!
I want to renew this commitment on this auspicious occasion, today.”
“Actually, this evening’s celebration has another significance, as this year marks the 20th anniversary of the formal relationship between Japan and Timor-Leste. Looking back, we have come a long way, nurturing friendship and solidarity for the last 20 years. It was in 1999 that Japan hosted the first international donor’s conference to support nation-building of Timor-Leste in Tokyo. Soon after that, then-Prime Minister Koizumi visited Dili to embrace the restoration of independence, and made Japan’s lasting commitment to support this young nation’s development. And so we did.”
“You all know how Japan helped Timor-Leste’s reconstruction and development during all these years. And Timor-Leste, on the other hand, has been a great friend of Japan and Japanese people. For example, in 2011, we were really touched by your support and solidarity when Japan was hit by a huge earthquake and tsunami. Also we truly appreciate your continuous support for Japan in various international scenes over the last 20 years.
We have built a strong relationship based on mutual respect and commitment to support each other as true friends.”
“Since my arrival two years ago, Japan’s assistance has focused on the fight against Covid-19 pandemic. The amount of our assistance is $20 million in this particular area only. Another area of our strong support is disaster recovery and future disaster prevention. We have also come to the final stage of concluding a large scale new assistance for food and nutrition programs that will amount to $6 million.
Turning our eyes to the future, the construction of the new airport terminal is our first priority infrastructure project. Its impact to the future of this country is enormous. This will be a landmark project of our continuous friendly relations and will become a symbol of solidarity for the coming 20 years and beyond.”
“Let’s build a bright future, hand in hand together!
I want to renew this commitment on this auspicious occasion, today.”