Reception to Celebrate the 85th Birthday of The Emperor of Japan
2019/1/8
On 4th December 2018, the Embassy of Japan hosted a Reception to Celebrate the 85th Birthday of His Majesty The Emperor of Japan at the Ambassador’s residence in Lusaka. Those who were present there included the Hon. Chitalu Chilufya, MP, Minister of Health, the Guest of Honour, the Hon. Given Lubinda, MP, Minister of Justice, and His Worship Mr. Miles Sampa, Mayor of Lusaka, and many people from various fields.
In his speech delivered as the host, Mr. Hidenobu Sobashima, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Zambia explained that His Majesty The Emperor who will be 85 years old in that month will abdicate on April 30, 2019, and His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince will accede to the imperial throne on May 1, 2019. He reviewed the exchanges which took place between the two countries in 2018, such as the visit of the Public Private Sector Joint Mission for Promoting Trade and Investment in Africa to Zambia, and the participation of the Zambian Foreign Minister in the TICAD Ministerial Meeting.
Ambassador Sobashima then evaluated the political and economic situations of Zambia, and explained Japan’s development cooperation to Zambia, as well as sport and cultural events hosted by the Embassy of Japan in 2018. The Ambassador concluded by expressing his determination to contribute, in cooperation with the Japanese experts, volunteers, NGOs and companies in Zambia to the economic growth and development of Zambia and to further development of the relations between Japan and Zambia, envisioning the bilateral relations in 2019, centering on TICAD 7.
Then the Hon. Chitalu Chilufya expressed the gratitude of the Government of Zambia for Japan's historical development assistance to Zambia, and his sincere hope for the further development of the relationship between the two countries.
At the Reception, Japanese companies exhibited their renowned automobiles and cutting-edge product displays. Also available were Japanese dishes such as Tempura and Sushi, as well as Japanese Sake, attracting keen interest of many people present there.
About 340 guests were present at the Reception from the Government of Zambia, Zambian companies, universities, mass media, sport organizations, Japanese companies, ODA related organizations, diplomatic missions and international organizations.
To read the Ambassador’s speech, please click here.