2019.29.06 東京アメリカクラブ主催2019年度アメリカ独立記念日会

東京アメリカクラブ主催2019年度アメリカ独立記念日会

2019年　６月29日: 東京アメリカンクラブ主催のアメリカ独立記念日を祝う昼食会に出席したことはモハバット大使にとっても喜ばしいことであります。

毎年、モハバット大使はこの祝賀会に参加するという日本での使命を果たす唯一の大使の一人であるということが非常にうれしく思います。アフガニスタンイスラム共和国の国民及び政府を代表してモハバット大使はこの最も幸福な機会に心からお祝いの意を示しました。 東京アメリカングループ会長のモリ・ジム氏は、返答としてモハバット大使に感謝しました。モハバット大使のご出席と数々の心温まるお言葉、さらにアフガニスタンが所有し、主導するプロセスにおける進歩、繁栄、そして平和のために努力してきた過程から、モハバット大使の何年にもわたる人々とアメリカ合衆国政府の支援にも感謝の意を示しました。

祝賀会の間、モハバット大使は東京アメリカンクラブの元代表役であるミッシェル・アルファント氏やその他の著名な方々との面会や講演を行えたこと非常に光栄に思っています。

元のページに戻る:

http://www.afghanembassyjp.org/jp/embassy/?pn=2761

2019.29.08 Hosted a Photo Exhibit, Bazaar, and “Lunch and Learn” Honoring Afghanistan’s Century of Historic Independence and Perseverance.

August 29, 2019: It was a pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to host notable guests from the local community through the auspices of the organization Aza6Plus for an informative and celebratory Photo Exhibit, Bazaar, and “Lunch and Learn” honoring Afghanistan’s century of historic independence and perseverance, at the Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi Balkhi Hall of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Tokyo. Also in attendance were Mr. Naqshband Haya, First Secretary; Mr. Nasrullah Rozbeh, Second Secretary; and all of the Embassy staff in order to greet the guests and welcome them to the event.

The emcee for the event, Mr. Ashraf Baburi, Administrative Affairs for the Embassy, welcomed all in attendance, and invited H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat to the podium to give his remarks on the occasion. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat extended his welcome to all guests to the Embassy and on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan thanked Japan for it steadfast and benevolent support over the years which has not only helped Afghans to live happier, healthier lives but also to achieve this notable milestone.

H.E. Dr. Mohabbat then took the time to introduce and explain the photos on display – some of the remarkable and notable leaders of Afghanistan who have paved the way towards a bright a promising future for every Afghan; beginning with His Royal Highness King Gazhi Amanullah Khan who began the restoration of independence in 1919, and through to today’s leaders H.E. Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and H.E. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Chief Executive of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

After the explanation of Afghanistan’s history over the past century of independence through photos, the guests were given a presentation on Afghanistan’s culture and contemporary heritage by Mr. Baburi following which they enjoyed a question and answer period. At the completion of the interactive presentation, the guests were given a tour of the Embassy which included a view of Tokyo’s city skyline from the roof which offers a unique vantage point of Tokyo Tower.

Following the Embassy tour, the guests were treated to a special celebratory lunch of various Afghan traditional foods carefully prepared by the embassy in honor of the occasion. At the completion of the meal, the guests were invited to peruse a small bazaar set-up with booths in which local Afghan-owned businesses in Japan displayed precious Afghan craft and artisanal items such as rugs, scarves, Afghan traditional clothing, Afghanistan sourced precious stone jewelry items, award winning Afghan saffron, and dried Afghan fruits and nuts for them to view, and inquire further about. During this time there were some raffle drawings for a few lucky guests to be able to take home some Afghan goods with them. All the notable guests who had been present to enjoy the photo exhibit, bazaar, and “lunch and learn” had a pleasurable time and remarked at how impressed they were with their new introduction to the wonders of Afghanistan and its remarkable history over the past 100 years; wishing it another wonderful 100 years.

Link to original.

2019.29.08 Attendance at the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey for the Turkish Victory Day Reception

Attendance at the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey for the Turkish Victory Day Reception

August 29, 2019: It was an honor for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to partake in and support the celebrations held at the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey for the Turkish Victory Day.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat expressed his congratulations to the Turkish people and Government in honor of this most auspicious occasion, on behalf of the people and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan through H.E. Dr. Hasan Murat Mercan, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Japan. In return, H.E. Dr. Mercan thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for his kind words and support, while expressing his sincere hope to make more profound the very strong ties between their two countries. In response, H.E. DR. Mohabbat thanked H.E. Mr. Mercan for his kind words and spoke to the historically close and brotherly relationship between the two great nations while assuring him that he would also work to deepen and strengthen their close relations. While enjoying the event, H.E. Dr. Mohabat also had the pleasure of meeting with several of Their Excellencies the Ambassadors and members of diplomatic missions stationed in Tokyo, high ranking members of Parliament, and important Turkish representatives present in honor of the occasion.

Original Page

2019.28.08 Courtesy Call by Officials of the Asia-Pacific Water Forum.

Courtesy Call by Officials of the Asia-Pacific Water Forum.

August 28, 2019: It was a pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to receive a courtesy call by Hon. Dr. Kotaro Takemura, Secretary General of the Japan Water Forum, at the Embassy in Tokyo. Also in attendance at the meeting were Mr. Shigenori Asai, Director of the Japan Water Forum and Method Certified Facilitator of the LEGO SERIOUS PLAY Program; Ms. Akie Gunji, Assistant Manager of the Japan Water Forum; and Mr. Nasrullah Rozbeh, Second Secretary for the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Tokyo.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat warmly welcomed Hon. Dr. Takemura, Mr. Asai, and Ms. Gunji to the Embassy and expressed his gratitude to them for arranging a courtesy call so that they could meet. In return, Hon. Dr. Takemura expressed his deepest gratitude to H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat for finding time in his busy schedule to meet with them and for the warm welcome.

Hon. Dr. Takemura presented to H.E. Dr. Mohabbat an official “Save the date” letter, summit agenda documents, and other supporting items to be conveyed to H.E. Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, for the 4th Asia-Pacific Water Summit entitled “Water for Sustainable Development – Best Practices and Connecting to the Next Generation” to be held on the 19th and 20th of October, 2020 in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture Japan. H.E. Ambassador assured Hon. Dr. Takemura that he would be sure to convey the Save the Date packet for the 4th Asia-Pacific Water Summit to H.E. President Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani in Kabul. Those present further discussed topics of mutual interest including developments in the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process as well as the upcoming Presidential election.

Courtesy Call by Officials of the Asia-Pacific Water Forum.

2019.23.08 Hosting Celebration to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for Afghan Nationals in Japan.

Hosting Celebration to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for Afghan Nationals in Japan.

August 23, 2019: It was an honor and pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to host a reception celebration to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for Afghan nationals in residing Japan, at the embassy in Tokyo. Also in attendance to receive the guests were Mr. Nasrullah Rozbeh, Second Secretary; Mr. Abdul Hameed Hashimi, Third Secretary and Consul; and all the Embassy staff.

The emcee, Mr. Ashraf Baburi, Administrative Affairs for the Embassy, welcomed all in attendance, invited a leader from the Afghan Community in Tokyo to lead those present in a reading from the Holy book of the Quran, and invited H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat to the podium to give his remarks on the occasion. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat extended his welcome to all guests to the Embassy and discussed the significance of the auspicious centennial milestone. Following his remarks, the guests were invited to partake in the afternoon tea, cakes, and other dishes prepared by the Embassy for all to enjoy.

Following the afternoon tea, closing remarks were given by Dr. Khalid Reshad, of the Association of Kenshikai Healthcare Corporation, the Reshad Clinic, and Apolon Elderly Care Center, all located in Shizuoka Prefecture’s Shimada City. On this notably auspicious occasion, Dr. Reshad, who is not only a longtime friend of the Embassy but has been a leader in Japan’s Afghan community for several decades, spoke to the importance of Afghanistan’s past and its future. At the end of the reception, all present remarked at how enjoyable the reception had been and were happy to celebrate Afghanistan’s centennial celebration.

Hosting Celebration to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for Afghan Nationals in Japan.

2019.08.08 外務省中東アフリカ局の職員の方との昼食会を主催

外務省中東アフリカ局の職員の方との昼食会を主催

2019年8月8日: 2019年8月8日: 長年の友人、そしてアフガニスタンの友人でもある、最近中東アフリカ局長とアフガニスタンとパキスタンの外務省本部の特別代表に任命された高橋克彦氏との昼食会を主催したことは、バシール・モハバット大使にとって光栄なことでした。中東第二課長の辻昭弘氏、最近中東第二課長補に任命された畑中宏一氏、駐日アフガニスタン大使館の二等書記官であるナシュラフ・ロズべ氏、三等書記官であるアブドゥル・ハミード・ハシミ氏も出席しました。

高橋氏はモハバット大使と書記官たちに対し、あいさつと忙しいスケジュールの中でお会いし、美味しい会食を主催してくださったことに対して感謝の言葉を述べられていました。アフガニスタン・イスラム共和国の人々と政府を代表して、モハバット大使はもう一度高橋氏に局長に任命されたことを、また畑中氏に課長補に任命されたことをお祝いされ、それぞれの在職期間における活躍をお祈りされました。さらに、モハバット大使は素晴らしい日本の政府と人々のアフガニスタンに対する継続的かつ好意的な支援や進展、繁栄、そしてアフガニスタンの平和のための長年にわたる支援、そしてアフガニスタンが所有し、主導しているのプロセスに対して感謝を伝えられました。

高橋氏もモハバッド大使にお会いしたことと、モハバッド大使の親切な言葉に対しても感謝を伝えられていました。この時、モハバット大使はアフガニスタンの平和プロセスは最近地域のと地球規模の平和を促進するために約束されたことと、もうじき行われる大統領選挙についての最新情報を提供なさいました。高橋氏はアフガン所有そしてアフガン主導のプロセスが作られる過程にとても感銘を受けており、そして日本がアフガニスタンとの強く、友好的な双方の繋がりと、アフガニスタンを将来も支持することを評価していました。昼食会に参加した方々は相互に関心のある平和、経済、8月19日に迎えるアフガニスタン独立100周年について話し合われました。

元のページに戻る:

http://www.afghanembassyjp.org/jp/embassy/?pn=2781

2019.08.08 Hosted Lunch Meeting with Official from the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan, at the Embassy.

August 8, 2019: It was an honor for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to host a luncheon meeting with his longtime friend, and longtime friend of Afghanistan, H.E. Mr. Katsuhiko Takahashi, newly appointed Director-General and Assistant Minister for the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau, as well as Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan of MOFA Japan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters in Tokyo. Also in attendance were Hon. Mr. Akihiro Tsuji, Director the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan’s Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau’s Second Middle East Division; Mr. Koichi Hatanaka, the newly appointed Assistant Director for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan’s Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau’s Second Middle East Division; Mr. Nasrullah Rozbeh, Second Secretary, and Mr. Abdul Hameed Hashimi, Third Secretary & Consul for the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Tokyo.

H.E. Mr. Takahashi thanked H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat and the diplomats for greeting them and for making the time in their busy schedules to meet with their Bureau and for hosting the delicious lunch. On behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat once again congratulated H.E. Mr. Takahashi on his recent appointment as Director General, and Mr. Hatanaka as Assistant Director, wishing them the best of successes during their respective tenures. Moreover, he expressed wholehearted gratitude to the people and Government of the noble nation of Japan for their continuous benevolent support of Afghanistan as it has striven over the years for progress, prosperity, and peace in an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led process.

In return, H.E. Mr. Takahashi thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for meeting with him as well as for his kind words. At this time, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat updated them on the many developments in the peace process Afghanistan has undertaken recently in order to advance regional stability and global peace as well as the upcoming Presidential election. H.E. Mr. Takahashi was quite impressed with the progress being made in the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process and reassured him that Japan values its strong and friendly bilateral tie with Afghanistan and as such would continue to stand with Afghanistan well into the future. All those present further discussed topics of mutual interest regarding peace, economics, and Afghanistan’s upcoming 100th year of Independence on August 19th.

Hosted Lunch Meeting with Official from the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan, at the Embassy.

2019.05-06.08 広島での７４回目の原爆記念日に出席

広島での７４回目の原爆記念日に出席

2019年８月５日、６日: 日本の広島での７４回目の原爆記念日に出席したことはバシール・モハバット駐日アフガニスタン大使にとって光栄なことでした。

記念式典が開かれる前の夕方、バシール･モハバット駐日アフガニスタン大使は、松井一美市長にお会いできた喜ばしい場所である広島県によって開かれた夕食会に出席しました。アフガニスタン･イスラム共和国の人々と政府を代表して、バシール・モハバット駐日アフガニスタン大使はそのイベントに招待して頂いたことに感謝し、悲しみにくれる記念式典の地で心から追悼の言葉を申し上げ、松井一美市長を初めとする広島県の人々の悲しみを言い表しました。更に、彼は悲劇が再び二度と起こらないだけでなく、永遠に平和の必要性に対して鼓舞することを期待し、アフガニスタンの人々一人一人が世界に加わる願いを言い表しました。そのお返しに、松井一美市長はバシール・モハバット駐日アフガニスタン大使の思いやりのある言葉に深い感謝を表し、彼が出席して下さったことをありがたくお思いになりました。

モハバット大使は、また、アフガニスタンの人々と政府を代表して、大島理森衆議院議長、広島県知事である湯崎英彦知事にお会いできたことを喜ばしく思いました。日本の支援は、アフガニスタンの促進、繁栄、そしてアフガニスタンが所有しアフガニスタンが導いた平和へのプロセスに対して励む事を可能にする更なる発展のための重要な役割でした。日本が長年与えてきた確固とした、善意のある支援に対して心からの感謝を彼らに言い表しました。

８月６日の式典の日の間、バシール・モハバット駐日アフガニスタン大使は、広島に投下された原子爆弾の犠牲者を思い出すための１分間の黙祷の間に、この恐ろしい日に対する彼の自責の念を思い表す機会がありました。式典の間、モハバット大使はこの悲しみにくれる薄暗い記念行事を記念するために、その他の大使閣下、日本で任務を行っている外交官の方々、高い地位に所属する政治家の方々、そしてその他の著名な方々とお会いし、平和について討論する機会がありました。

元のページに戻る:

http://www.afghanembassyjp.org/jp/embassy/?pn=2780

2019.05-06.08 Attendance at the 74th A-Bomb Anniversary in Hiroshima.

Attendance at the 74th A-Bomb Anniversary in Hiroshima.

August 05 & 06, 2019: It was an honor for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to attend the 74th A-Bomb Anniversary in Hiroshima, Japan.

The evening before the anniversary ceremony, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat attended the dinner hosted by the city of Hiroshima where he had the pleasure to meet Hon. Mr. Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima City, to whom H.E. Dr. Mohabbat thanked for the invitation to the event and, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, expressed most profound and sincerest condolences and sorrow to the people of Hiroshima through Hon. Mayor Matsui on the somber anniversary occasion. Further he expressed the wishes of every Afghan joined the world in hoping the tragedy would never occur again but forever be an inspiration for the necessity of peace. In return, Hon. Mr. Matsui expressed his deepest gratitude to Dr. Mohabbat for his kindhearted words and thanked him for attending.

Dr. Mohabbat also had the pleasure to meet Hon. Mr. Tadamori Oshima, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Hon. Mr. Hidehiko Yuzaki, Governor of Hiroshima, to whom he expressed, on the behalf of the people and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the some sincere gratitude for the steadfast and benevolent support Japan has given over the years; the essential role in further developing Afghanistan, allowing it to strive for progress, prosperity, and peace in an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led process.

During the ceremony on the day of the 6th of August, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat had the chance to express his remorse for the most horrific day during a minute of silence to remember the victims of the Hiroshima atomic bomb attack. While at the event, H.E.Dr. Mohabbat had the opportunity to further meet and discuss topics about peace with others of Their Excellencies the Ambassadors, diplomats with missions in Japan, high ranking members of government, and other distinguished guests present in order to commemorate the somber memorial.

Attendance at the 74th A-Bomb Anniversary in Hiroshima.

2019.02.08 公明党代表の山口那津男氏に挨拶訪問

公明党代表の山口那津男氏に挨拶訪問

2019年8月2日:バシール・モハバット大使は公明党代表である山口那津男氏の議員事務所において挨拶訪問をしたことについて光栄で喜ばしいことだと思っています。

個人的な友人であり、またアフガニスタンの友人でもある山口氏はモハバット大使に心から温かな歓迎の意を示され、会う機会を作ってくださったことに感謝をなさっていました。アフガニスタン・イスラム共和国政府に代わってモハバット大使は7月21日に行われた選挙における公明党の勝利にお祝いの意を表し、またアフガニスタンでじきに行われる選挙も日本のように円滑に進むようにと願っていました。さらに、モハバット大使は山口氏に対して、公明党とアフガニスタン大使館を通したアフガニスタンとの長年にわたる強い友好関係とアフガニスタンの発展、繁栄、そして平和に対する貢献について感謝を述べられました。そしてモハバット大使は素晴らしい日本の忠実な友情とアフガニスタンの人々や政府のための長年にわたる支援に対して感謝を述べました。さらに、モハバット大使はこの２カ国間のより強い協力関係への強い希望と願いを示されました。山口氏もモハバット大使に同意され、公明党とアフガニスタン大使館の間のより良い協力関係という希望を相互的に示されました。モハバット大使は山口氏にアフガニスタンの地域における平和とセキュリティの確保におけるアフガニスタンが所有し、主導しているプロセスに対する発展について概要を説明されました。山口氏は日本はアフガニスタンのセキュリティー分野における発展のために経済と輸出入についてへの出資を増幅させたいと思っていたと述べられました。訪問の中で、モハバット大使と山口氏は共通の関心事について議論されました。

元のページに戻る:

http://www.afghanembassyjp.org/jp/embassy/?pn=2779

2019.02.08 Courtesy Call to the Hon. Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative of the Komei Party.

Courtesy Call to the Hon. Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative of the Komei Party.

August 2, 2019:His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat had the honor and pleasure of making a courtesy call on the Honorable Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative of the Komei Party, at his office in the House of Councillors Members’ Building.

Hon. Mr. Yamaguchi, a long time personal friend of the Ambassador's as well as of Afghanistan's, extended a sincere and warm welcome to H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat and thanked him for arranging to meet. On behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat extended congratulations to Hon. Mr. Yamaguchi on the recent well-numbered win by the Komei party in the recent elections held on July 21, 2019; wishing that Afghanistan’s own upcoming elections go as smoothly as their Japanese example. Moreover, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat thanked Hon. Mr. Yamaguchi for the strong friendship and cooperation between Japan’s Komei Party and Afghanistan through the Embassy of the Islamic Republic Afghanistan in Tokyo over the years which has very much helped contribute to Afghanistan’s mission of progress, prosperity, and peace. He also thanked the people and Government of the noble nation of Japan for their steadfast friendship and support of the people and Government of Afghanistan over the years. Furthermore, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat expressed his deep hope and desire for the cooperation between the two entities to strengthen further. Hon. Mr. Yamaguchi concurred with H.E. Dr. Mohabbat and reciprocally conveyed his hope and desires to see further cooperation between the Komei Party and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Tokyo. H.E. Dr. Mohabbat briefed Hon. Mr. Yamaguchi on Afghanistan's recent progress towards securing peace and security in the region in the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led process. Hon. Mr. Yamaguchi remarked that Japan was eager to advance its investment in the economics and import/export of Afghanistan with further progress in the security sector. Following the exchange, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat and Hon. Mr. Yamaguchi further discussed topics of mutual interest.

Courtesy Call to the Hon. Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative of the Komei Party.

2019.01.08 衆議院議会による第１９９回日本国会臨時総会の開会式に出席

衆議院議会による第１９９回日本国会臨時総会の開会式に出席

２０１９年８月１日: バシール・モハバット大使閣下は、日本の天皇陛下によって開かれた衆議院議会による第１９９回日本国会臨時総会の開会式に出席できた事に名誉と喜びを感じました。また、駐日アフガニスタン大使館の三等書記官であるアブドゥル･ハメド・ハシミ氏も出席しました。

モハバット駐日アフガニスタン大使は衆議院議会で開かれた縁起の良い行事である第１９９回日本国会臨時総会に出席し、視察しました。日本の天皇陛下である東宮殿下即位後の初めての国会であり、 新しく就任されたモハバット駐日アフガニスタン大使は、また、何人かのその他の大使閣下、日本で任務を行っている外交官の方々、政治家の方々、そして出席していた著名な方々とお互いに関心のある様々な話題について議論する機会がありました。

元のページに戻る:

http://www.afghanembassyjp.org/jp/embassy/?pn=2777

2019.01.08 Attendance at the Opening Ceremony of the 199th Extraordinary Session of the National Diet of Japan in the Chamber of the House of Councillors.

Attendance at the Opening Ceremony of the 199th Extraordinary Session of the National Diet of Japan in the Chamber of the House of Councillors.

August 1, 2019: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat had the honor and pleasure of attending the Opening Ceremony of the 199th Extraordinary Session of the National Diet of Japan in the Chamber of the House of Councillors, opened by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. Also in attendance was mr. Abdul Hameed Hashimi, Third Secretary for the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Tokyo.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat attended and observed the Opening Ceremony of the 199th Extraordinary Session of the National Diet of Japan in what was an auspicious event held in the Chamber of the House of Councillors. For the very first time His Imperial Highness the Emperor of Japan, new inaugurated in H.E. Dr. Mohabbat also took the opportunity to discuss various topics of mutual interest with several other of Their Excellencies the Ambassadors, diplomats with missions in Japan, members of government, and other distinguished guests who were also in attendance.

Attendance at the Opening Ceremony of the 199th Extraordinary Session of the National Diet of Japan in the Chamber of the House of Councillors.