Ambassador's greeting

Greeting message from Ambassador Imamura on the Embassy website

Welcome to the website of the Embassy of Japan in Georgia!
 
My name is IMAMURA Akira, Ambassador of Japan. I have arrived here in Georgia on December 6, 2020.
 
It was in 1999 when I visited Georgia last time. Since then, I have always wanted to revisit this attractive country which lays at the bottom of the beautiful Caucasus Mountains and locates at the crossroads of civilizations with its unique culture. This time I feel encouraged to see how Georgia, a young country which restored its independence in 1991, has overcome various challenges in the process of building a free and open state.
 
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, Japan and Georgia have developed friendly relations in different fields: political dialogue including exchange of views on regional affairs and cooperation in international community, private business relations, and cultural exchange as both countries have long history and traditions.
 
Since the restoration of the independence of Georgia, Japan has supported its nation-building through various forms of Official Development Aid (ODA). Particularly, we have strengthened connectivity of Georgia which is the cornerstone of the East-West Corridor, by improving transportation infrastructure of the country. We also have been supporting human resource development by technical cooperation and improvement of people's daily lives through grant assistance, and Grassroots Human Security and Grassroots Projects in various parts of the country. These projects have been highly valued by Georgian citizens, and we would like to offer continued supports for the country and its people.
 
The recent improvement of the business environment in Georgia has been remarkable, and we witness growing interest of Japanese business in this country. Earlier this year, a Japanese company decided to invest in a hydroelectric powerplant. We welcome this initiative as it shares the same vision towards realization of a decarbonized society by 2050, which Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide announced in October, 2020. For its part the Government want to actively support such growing business dynamics through various measures including the conclusion of Investment Agreement and Tax Treaty.
 
Furthermore, Georgian culture is becoming more and more popular in Japan. Georgian sumo wrestlers are actively engaged in our traditional sport and Georgian cuisine such as shkmeruli and wine (UNESCO intangible cultural heritage) became increasingly popular. Georgia is such a pro-Japanese country, and the number of Georgians interested in Japan, Japanese language and culture is increasing. I would like to spare no effort to strengthen ties between our nations, where both citizens value the spirit of “omotenashi” (i.e., hospitality), and communicate Japan’s   attractiveness and policies to Georgian people.

Recently, the number of Japanese tourists and long-term residents is increasing in Georgia. The safety of Japanese citizens in Georgia is one of our priorities. As COVID-19 continues to spread, we will continue providing adequate support and relevant information to our citizens. Furthermore, we will cooperate to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Georgia by providing equipment, which will contribute to enhancing resilience to Georgian healthcare sector and overall medical system.
 
In 2022, we will celebrate 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between our two countries. Toward the year of this milestone, I will continue to do my best for further deepening and strengthening relations between our nations. I wish for your kind support and cooperation.
 
Concluding my greetings with the warmest wishes for all of you! Please take care of yourself in those difficult times of pandemic!

New Year's greetings by Ambassador Imamura (January, 2021)