Remarks of Consul-General Hidenobu Sobashima at the Dinner Hosted by the Mildura Rural City Council in Honour of the Kumatori City Delegation Sunday 19 August 2012
Cr John Arnold, Mayor and members of the Mildura Rural City Council,
The Principal and members of Chaffey Secondary College,
Mr Makoto Nakanishi, Mayor, Mrs Nakanishi and members of the Kumatori City Delegation,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I appreciate this opportunity to say a few words here.
Mayor Arnold mentioned his presence at the one year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.
I should like to avail myself of this opportunity to express my utmost gratitude to the people of Mildura for their sympathy and support after the disaster.
Japan will surely recover, and repay everyone’s kindness by strongly contributing to the international community again.
At the national level, Japan and Australia have agreed to develop a comprehensive and strategic partnership, based on the shared common values such as freedom, democracy and respect for human rights, and covering all areas including not only economy and culture but also security.
Australia has more than 100, the largest number of, sister-city and sister-state arrangements with Japan, more than those with the United States or China.
Victoria contributes 19 of these including this sister-city relationship between Mildura and Kumatori.
Mildura and Kumatori signed the sister-city arrangement in 2001.
However, the history of the exchanges between the two cities dates back further, as mentioned by Mayor Nakanishi.
The exchanges already existed in 1984.
According to the website of Kumatori City, it boasts of its natural environment, cultural heritage and cutting-edge science and technology, treats every citizen as a hero, and is determined to develop a city of comfort, health and culture.
As for Mildura, according to its website, it boasts of its big skies, rich earth and welcoming locals with good wine and food.
Thus it seems natural that the friendly relations between such cities will be further strengthened.
This will contribute to the Australia-Japan relationship.
In conclusion, I would like to join Mildura City in welcoming the Kumatori City Delegation, and thank the people of Mildura for hosting them.
Thank you.