New Year's Greetings from Ambassador Ishizuka
2025/1/10
Gilotsavt akhal tsels! (Happy New Year)
At the beginning of the year 2025, I would like to wish you a Happy New Year.
Looking back on 2024, it was a year of difficulties for Georgia. On December 3rd with the increased concern about the domestic situation, the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement that Japan hopes that the situation will be calming down by the Georgian Government’s constructive measures.
On the other hand, there were also some positive news in 2024. Particularly we could hear the wonderful news in the sporting world. For example, Georgia’s national football team advanced to the round of 16 in its first appearance at the EURO 2024 tournament. Lasha Bekauri won his second consecutive gold medal in men’s judo at the Paris Olympics. In May, Georgia successfully hosted the 57th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the first time, with the participation of the then Minister of Finance of Japan Mr. Suzuki, who expressed his hope for the further development of bilateral relations between Japan and Georgia.
In the field of the cultural exchange, we have conducted various events throughout last year to promote mutual understanding between our two countries, including “Demonstration and Lecture of Tea Ceremony and Kyogen” (June) and “Reception for the Promotion of Japanese Food and Japan-Georgia Food Culture Exchange” (September).
Looking at the world, it is said that the international community is once again at a major turning point in history. Under such circumstances, there is a growing need for international cooperation in a broad sense, which can bring harmony to the world, not division and confrontation. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Japan also commemorates the 70th anniversary of the start of its ODA program and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers. Reaffirming the friendship between Japan and Georgia, I will make utmost efforts to pass down our existing friendship to the next generation through people-to-people interactions and public relations activities.
And finally, I am confident there is an extremely high potential for the further development of cultural exchange between two countries, as Georgia’s visibility and cultural awareness have increased dramatically in Japan, thanks to the efforts of Georgians, including Sumo wrestlers, starting with Kokkai. I and all Embassy staff are resolved to work together for the further development of bilateral relations, taking your suggestions and advices into consideration. We look forward to your continued support this year ahead.
At the beginning of the year 2025, I would like to wish you a Happy New Year.
Looking back on 2024, it was a year of difficulties for Georgia. On December 3rd with the increased concern about the domestic situation, the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement that Japan hopes that the situation will be calming down by the Georgian Government’s constructive measures.
On the other hand, there were also some positive news in 2024. Particularly we could hear the wonderful news in the sporting world. For example, Georgia’s national football team advanced to the round of 16 in its first appearance at the EURO 2024 tournament. Lasha Bekauri won his second consecutive gold medal in men’s judo at the Paris Olympics. In May, Georgia successfully hosted the 57th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the first time, with the participation of the then Minister of Finance of Japan Mr. Suzuki, who expressed his hope for the further development of bilateral relations between Japan and Georgia.
In the field of the cultural exchange, we have conducted various events throughout last year to promote mutual understanding between our two countries, including “Demonstration and Lecture of Tea Ceremony and Kyogen” (June) and “Reception for the Promotion of Japanese Food and Japan-Georgia Food Culture Exchange” (September).
Looking at the world, it is said that the international community is once again at a major turning point in history. Under such circumstances, there is a growing need for international cooperation in a broad sense, which can bring harmony to the world, not division and confrontation. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Japan also commemorates the 70th anniversary of the start of its ODA program and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers. Reaffirming the friendship between Japan and Georgia, I will make utmost efforts to pass down our existing friendship to the next generation through people-to-people interactions and public relations activities.
And finally, I am confident there is an extremely high potential for the further development of cultural exchange between two countries, as Georgia’s visibility and cultural awareness have increased dramatically in Japan, thanks to the efforts of Georgians, including Sumo wrestlers, starting with Kokkai. I and all Embassy staff are resolved to work together for the further development of bilateral relations, taking your suggestions and advices into consideration. We look forward to your continued support this year ahead.