President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) yesterday presented Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Representative Hiroyasu Izumi with the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon in recognition of his contributions to Taiwan-Japan relations.
Tsai expressed “the most profound gratitude” to Izumi, who is next month to conclude his four-year service and hand over the post to former Japanese ambassador to Peru Kazuyuki Katayama.
With Izumi’s assistance, Taiwan and Japan supported each other through the COVID-19 pandemic and formed closer ties in various fields.
Photo: CNA
The two sides have signed 10 cooperation agreements in the past four years in areas including transportation, environment, justice and youth exchanges, Tsai said.
Taiwan and Japan proved to the world that like-minded democratic partners are able to jointly tackle global challenges and contribute to regional prosperity through a “cycle of goodness,” she said.
Izumi described Taiwan and Japan as “true friends connected from heart to heart” and irreplaceable partners, and has said that Japan would always be by Taiwan’s side to provide support, she said.
Thanks to Izumi’s hard work, relations between Taiwan and Japan have reached new milestones, she said, adding that his contribution would always be remembered by people from both countries.
Tsai said she hopes that Izumi sees Taiwan as his second home to which he returns frequently, and continues to promote Taiwan-Japan ties at his next post.
Izumi said that he was extremely honored to receive the medal, adding that he has experienced firsthand the precious friendship between Taiwan and Japan.
Working with Taiwanese in politics, economics and culture during the past four years has been a pleasant experience, he said.
During his term, the world has witnessed the restructuring of the global supply chain, the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, making countries keenly aware of their interconnectedness, he said.
Tsai’s administration has made great diplomatic achievements, and the international community now has a broader and deeper understanding of Taiwan, Izumi said.
Taiwan has truly become “Taiwan of the world,” he said, quoting Tsai’s Double Ten National Day address.
News of Taiwan can be seen almost every day in Japan, he added.
Izumi invited Tsai to visit Japan after she leaves office in May next year.
He said he hopes she could also deliver speeches in Japan as Japanese have paid greater attention to Taiwan in the past few years, adding that speeches given by Taiwan’s first female president would definitely be welcomed.
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