Embassy of Japan in Malawi
在マラウイ日本国大使館

The Emperor’s Birthday Reception

On December 8, 2010, prior to the actual birthday, 23rd of December, the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Malawi held a reception to celebrate His Majesty Emperor Akihito’s 77th Birthday at the Capital Hotel in Lilongwe. At the same time, this was an occasion to introduce newly-arrived Ambassador to Malawi, Mr. Fujio Samukawa. The guest of honour was Honourable Minister Professor Eta Banda, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and more than 170 people attended, including Malawian Ministers, government officials, diplomatic corps based in Malawi, members of business circles, mass media and Japanese nationals.

H.E. Fujio Samukawa introduced himself saying that he had arrived in Lilongwe on November 30th and this was his first overseas assignment in Africa. Mr. Samukawa has been particularly associated with India in his foreign service and enjoyed the cordial relationship with the warm-hearted people there. He said he anticipated a similar experience in Malawi, excited by what his colleagues told him, such as Malawian people’s warmth, country’s beauty and unique ambience in Malawi. He promised that he would make utmost efforts to promote and consolidate the ties between Japan and Malawi.

Ambassador delivering speech

Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Hiroshi Matsumoto, subsequently made his remakes, mentioning that Emperor Akihito was the 125th Emperor of Japan and he ascended on the throne on January 7, 1989. He continued that Emperor was a central figure in Japan and his was still very active in both private and public activities.
Mr. Matsumoto took advantage of this opportunity to highlight Japan’s contribution to Malawi. Firstly he referred to the fulfilment of the commitment of doubling Japan’s ODA, which was made at TICADIV. He described several projects especially connected to transport infrastructural development, rural and water development and improvement of education and health standards. He also mentioned three grants Japan had provided to Malawi related to climate change and biodiversity amounting to a total of MK4.7 billion. Finally he emphasised the basic principal of Japan’s ODA, which was partnership and ownership, leading Japan to attach much importance to technical assistance that encourages self-help efforts for the development of a county.

Hon. Minister Prof. Eta Banda proposing toast

The guest of honour, Hon. Minister Prof. Eta Banda, initiated her remarks expressing honour to join this occasion to celebrate the Birthday of His Majesty Emperor Akihito on behalf of His Excellency the President Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika and the Government and people of the Republic of Malawi. Hon. Minister Banda compared Japan’s commitment to double its ODA to Africa by 2012 announced during TICADIV in 2008 to a milestone towards contributing to the well being of African Countries, in particular towards Malawi. She described Japan as one of the strategic development partners for Malawi since the establishment of the diplomatic relations in 1964. She hailed Japan for assisting Malawi especially in the implementation of the nine ‘priorities within priorities’.

Honourable Minister assured Ambassador Samukawa that Malawi would make every effort to ensure the excellent ties between Malawi and Japan were not only sustained but they were also strengthened for the mutual benefit of two countries’ people. Furthermore, she guaranteed to continue to cement the relations between Malawi and Japan through Malawi’s support to Japan in multilateral fora, such as the United Nations and Kyoto Protocol.

The guests enjoyed tasty Japanese tempura (deep-fried prawns and vegetables in batter), which was prepared by the professional Japanese chef.