The Ambassador of Japan, Satoshi Suzuki, presented his Letters of Credence to President George Vella at the Presidential Palace in Valletta.
President Vella underlined the importance that Malta attaches to its relations with Japan, stating that these have gone from strength to strength over the past years. He particularly welcomed the news that Japan will be opening an Embassy in Malta by early next year.
Reference was also made to the active cooperation between the two countries on the multilateral front with President Vella referring to the UN Security where both Malta and Japan have been elected as non-permanent members to the UNSC for the term 2023-2024.
The President stated that Malta remains committed towards strengthening its excellent long-standing relationship with Japan and will be exploring further opportunities for collaboration. In this respect, Malta looks forward to participating at the upcoming World Expo in Osaka.
On his part, Ambassador Suzuki explained that he will be looking at possible openings for Japanese private investment in Malta. He also agreed with President Vella on the importance of multilateralism, stating that the international community needs to also look at developments in the Asia-Pacific region in order to preserve a rules-based international order.
Ambassador Suzuki conveyed appreciation to President Vella for his participation at the enthronement ceremony of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan in October 2019.
