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| Ambassador's Speech>2012 >121203 | ||||
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at the National Day Reception at the Hilton Hotel on 3 December, 2012 |
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| Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Kiburan ena Kiburat, |
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| Endemen Ameshachehu! Zare meshet bemenakebrew ye Japan Negus seba zetenegna yeledet beal lay seletegegnachehu betam amesegenalehu. Good evening. I am most grateful to all of you for joining us this evening in celebrating the 79th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, which actually falls on the 23rd of December. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 2012 proved a sad and difficult year for Ethiopia with the sudden passing away of His Excellency Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in August. It was an untimely demise and a great loss not only for Ethiopia but also for Africa. May his soul rest in peace! At the same time, I am encouraged by the smooth transition of power and the continued efforts by the Government and people of Ethiopia toward nation-building by implementing the Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP). Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Japan and Ethiopia have had a long history of cooperation and exchanges for over 80 years since 1930 when diplomatic relations were first established. Until 1974, close exchanges were maintained between our two royal families as exemplified by the two state visits to Japan by the then Emperor of Ethiopia, and the official visit to Ethiopia by the then Crown Prince, now the Emperor of Japan. The Japanese Garden constructed in the Jubilee Palace in the late 1950s has also been a symbol of long friendship and cooperation between our two peoples. This friendly and cooperative relationship remains as strong as ever today, having survived many changes and challenges. Indeed, 2012 was another fruitful year for Japan-Ethiopia relations as our bilateral ties have been strengthened in various fields. First, mutual visits by dignitaries to the respective countries and policy dialogues between our two governments have been further enhanced. Next year we plan more. Second, some positive development has been observed regarding ODA. This year we have modified our ODA policy to help Ethiopia implement the GTP with particular emphasis on food security and industrial development. Infrastructure development and human resource development are also priority areas in our policy. In addition, for the first time, our ODA to Ethiopia reached 110 million USD last fiscal year. Our policy dialogue with Ethiopia for industrial development is now in the second phase, and our kaizen initiatives have been scaled up to facilitate Ethiopian efforts for industrialization. These programs, together with our science and math education program, are Japan’s unique contribution as we share our knowledge and experience with Ethiopian counterparts for their capacity-building. It is also worth mentioning that this is the 40th year since the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) Program started in Ethiopia in 1972. Since then, nearly 600 volunteers have been engaged with development here. Third, our bilateral business relations are not yet as strong as expected. However, business exchanges are gradually recovering. Last month, a business delegation consisting of 10 Japanese companies visited Ethiopia. I was impressed by their keen interest in business opportunities in Africa, including Ethiopia. Only a week ago, I also received the CEO of Japan’s largest sesame oil company here in Addis Ababa. This company is an important client for quality Ethiopian sesame. There is no doubt that Japanese business interest in Ethiopia is increasing. Our exchanges are not limited to government and business. There have been much broader exchanges on the grassroots level. This fiscal year, we presented a series of Japanese cultural events in Ethiopia, starting from kendo and karate demonstrations, up to the Japanese Film Festival and the Ikebana workshop and demonstration. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, As we look to the future, 2013 is a “Year of Africa.” It is the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU). It is also the 20th anniversary of TICAD, the Tokyo International Conference for African Development. In this very special year, TICAD V will be held in Yokohama from 1 to 3 June, the first TICAD meeting that the AU Commission will work with us as a co-organizer. We are looking forward to seeing as many African leaders as possible attend TICAD V next June. Today, there are many forums on African development in the world. We think that TICAD is a pioneer in this regard, being initiated in 1993 when Afro-pessimism prevailed. There are several other features unique to TICAD. It is not just a Japan-Africa forum but a Japan-initiated open policy forum, which involves international development organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations, other partners and even civil society. We have all worked together for the common objective of sustainable development in Africa. In the meantime, Africa has changed impressively over the past two decades, and TICAD has also adjusted itself to the changing African needs by shifting its focus over time. Yet, there is one thing unchanged. We have continued to attach importance to African ownership and our partnership with Africa throughout this period. TICAD is the only forum that incorporates a mechanism to monitor the implementation of its measures and programs, which was agreed at TICAD IV in 2008. Indeed, we are proud of the TICAD process, which is unique and has its own role. Toward TICAD V, the next important milestone will be the Preparatory Ministerial Meeting to be held here in Addis Ababa from 16-17 March next year. We will prepare for it to succeed in close cooperation with the Ethiopian Government as the host country, and the AU Commission as a co-organizer. For the past 20 years, Japan has walked side by side with Africa. We will move forward hand in hand with a more dynamic Africa in the years to come. We will continue our legacy, and build our future together. Let us begin a new chapter in our history, by making TICAD V a success. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Celebrations are a time to rejoice in the good things in life and express our gratitude and appreciation for our positive achievements. They also inspire us to carry on with renewed vigor and determination. On that note, I wish you an enjoyable evening and thank you again for joining us to celebrate our National Day, marked by His Majesty’s 79th birthday. Betam Amesegenalehu! Thank you very much. |
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