Remarks of Consul-General Hidenobu Sobashima at the Official Opening Ceremony of Melbourne Star Observation Wheel on Wednesday 12 March 2014
The Hon Peter Ryan, Deputy Premier of Victoria,
Mr Takashi Ueda, President of Sanoyas Holdings Corporation,
Mr Keiji Shiraga, President of Sanoyas Rides Corporation,
Mr Graeme Manie, Managing Director of Sanoyas Rides Australia,
Mr Chris Kelly, CEO of Melbourne Star Management,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I appreciate this opportunity to say a few words at this official opening of Melbourne Star Observation Wheel.
First, I would like to congratulate Melbournians for living in the world’s most liveable city.
Congratulations!
In connection with Melbourne’s world’s best liveability ranking for three years running, I repeatedly said on various occasions and I am going to say this now again that perhaps the activities of Japanese companies with their Australian partners and the cultural programs organized by Japanese residents with the participation of Australians here are also contributing to this liveability, that is the world’s best, economically and culturally, in this multicultural society.
Japan and Australia and Japan and Victoria have a long and important relationship.
As the Consul-General of Japan, it is my role and responsibility to endeavor to further develop economic, cultural and other various relations between Japan and Victoria.
Thus, I appreciate the business trip to Japan last October by the Deputy Premier who is present here, to be followed by the Premier’s Trade Mission later in that month.
Also I look forward to the visit to Japan by Prime Minister Tony Abbott next month that should further develop the friendly and cooperative relationship between Australia and Japan.
Now about Melbourne Star.
Melbourne Star Observation Wheel has been completed by the cooperation of Australian and Japanese companies.
It further enriches the already rich culture and environment of Melbourne.
It should certainly expand the entertainment business here.
Thus Melbourne Star should contribute to the consolidation of the world’s best liveability here.
I have heard about the tremendous efforts made to complete this observation wheel.
Therefore, I should like to avail myself of this opportunity to congratulate all those concerned who have contributed to the completion of this Melbourne Star.
In conclusion, I hope that Melbourne Star Observation Wheel will develop and remain as a symbol of Melbourne as well as a monument of the cooperation and friendship between Victoria and Japan.
Thank you.