Message from Hon. Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Japan
2022/12/30
Ayubowan, Wannakham,
It is a great pleasure that we have marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka in 2022, with the deepening and broadening of bilateral relations between our two countries. Looking back over the past year, I myself had the opportunity to meet with Hon. Foreign Minister Sabry in August. It gave me strong confidence in the future development of the friendly relations between our two countries toward the realization of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific". In September, President Wickremesinghe attended the State Funeral of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. During the summit meeting, as well as my courtesy call on the President, the two countries engaged in frank conversations ranging from our bilateral relationship to regional and global challenges. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude both to the President for his visit, and to all Sri Lankan friends for the unfathomable sympathy you had given us. I hope his legacy in fostering our relationship will long be remembered in both Japan and Sri Lanka.
As exemplified by Hon. J. R. Jayewardene’s compassionate speech at the San Francisco Peace Conference in 1951, the mutual trust and support we both exhibited throughout this year is yet another testament to our long-standing relationship that has tied us together from the very bottom of our hearts. Our two countries, guided by this intimate relationship and the closeness of our cultures, religions and many other aspects, are inseparable and irreplaceable partners. I am confident that our relationship has become even stronger over the past year.
In light of the deteriorating humanitarian situation due to the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Japan has provided emergency grant assistance in May and September, totaling $6.5 million via international organizations in the areas of food, nutrition, health, and sanitation. In December, a supplementary budget was approved, which includes additional assistance of approximately $71 million. With this budget, Japan plans to provide assistance in the areas of food and nutrition, fertilizer, health and medical care, water and sanitation, and fuel.
We have also supported the Sri Lankan government's efforts to address its debt issue. The start of skill exams and Japanese language tests in Sri Lanka in January, this year to accept Sri Lankan workers through the Specified Skilled Worker System further provide valuable opportunities to deepen our bilateral ties. The Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) signed between Japan and Sri Lanka in October is another example of our future oriented cooperation, setting a stage for elevated joint action toward decarbonization and catalyzing industrial innovations.
I wholeheartedly wish our Sri Lankan friends all the best for a Happy New Year while reiterating my resolve to take a step forward with you for a better future.
It is a great pleasure that we have marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka in 2022, with the deepening and broadening of bilateral relations between our two countries. Looking back over the past year, I myself had the opportunity to meet with Hon. Foreign Minister Sabry in August. It gave me strong confidence in the future development of the friendly relations between our two countries toward the realization of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific". In September, President Wickremesinghe attended the State Funeral of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. During the summit meeting, as well as my courtesy call on the President, the two countries engaged in frank conversations ranging from our bilateral relationship to regional and global challenges. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude both to the President for his visit, and to all Sri Lankan friends for the unfathomable sympathy you had given us. I hope his legacy in fostering our relationship will long be remembered in both Japan and Sri Lanka.
As exemplified by Hon. J. R. Jayewardene’s compassionate speech at the San Francisco Peace Conference in 1951, the mutual trust and support we both exhibited throughout this year is yet another testament to our long-standing relationship that has tied us together from the very bottom of our hearts. Our two countries, guided by this intimate relationship and the closeness of our cultures, religions and many other aspects, are inseparable and irreplaceable partners. I am confident that our relationship has become even stronger over the past year.
In light of the deteriorating humanitarian situation due to the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Japan has provided emergency grant assistance in May and September, totaling $6.5 million via international organizations in the areas of food, nutrition, health, and sanitation. In December, a supplementary budget was approved, which includes additional assistance of approximately $71 million. With this budget, Japan plans to provide assistance in the areas of food and nutrition, fertilizer, health and medical care, water and sanitation, and fuel.
We have also supported the Sri Lankan government's efforts to address its debt issue. The start of skill exams and Japanese language tests in Sri Lanka in January, this year to accept Sri Lankan workers through the Specified Skilled Worker System further provide valuable opportunities to deepen our bilateral ties. The Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) signed between Japan and Sri Lanka in October is another example of our future oriented cooperation, setting a stage for elevated joint action toward decarbonization and catalyzing industrial innovations.
I wholeheartedly wish our Sri Lankan friends all the best for a Happy New Year while reiterating my resolve to take a step forward with you for a better future.