外交レセプションで乾杯の発声

【外交レセプションで乾杯の発声】
リベリア共和国の独立179周年レセプションに招かれ、各国からの参加者を代表して「乾杯のスピーチ」を担当させて頂きました。仁木博文代議士が政府代表としてスピーチ、牧島かれん代議士が同国表彰を受けて、恐縮ながら私が大役を駐日大使から頼まれました。

同国の駐日大使エドワード・ワデ・アップルトン・ジュニア閣下とは、ご縁があって意気投合。今では友人として絆を深めております。同国は内紛が、国内の重要インフラが損壊、老朽化された状態。世界最貧国とも言われております。現在、日本国としてもインフラ整備で様々な支援を行なってきました。中でも、物流の幹線道路として期待される道路は「ジャパン・フリーウェイ」と名付けられ、延伸工事が続いています。

一方で、人口は増えており、このような国内情勢下にあっても、夢を抱いて努力を重ねている若者が沢山います。大使閣下とは、その中には「日本に憧れを持つ者も多い」という話を聞いて以来、少年時代の交流が出来ないかと模索をしております。

特に、同国はサッカーが盛んなので、サッカーでの交流が理想的かと提案しているところです。かつては存在した駐在日本大使館も閉鎖されたままですが、こうやって交流を積み重ねて、日本で学びたいという若者が日本語も習得して、留学したいとなれば、将来的に見てもウィンウィンの関係になるかと思います。

自民党外交部会の高木啓会長からも、こういう血の通った交流が日本の為になると助言も頂いたところでございます。会場では、ラグビー仲間の駐日ケニア大使のモイさんと3人で撮影も。

多くの皆さんと、リベリアを共に訪れる日を楽しみにしております。

I was honored to be invited to the reception celebrating the 179th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Liberia, where I had the privilege of delivering the toast on behalf of the international guests in attendance.

Through a fortunate connection, I became acquainted with His Excellency Edward Wade Appleton Jr., Ambassador of Liberia to Japan. We quickly found common ground, and over time our relationship has deepened into a genuine friendship.

Liberia continues to face significant challenges. Years of internal conflict damaged much of the country’s critical infrastructure, much of which remains in a deteriorated state. The nation is often described as one of the world’s poorest countries. Japan has been providing various forms of assistance, particularly in infrastructure development. Among these projects is a major road expected to serve as a key logistics artery, known as the “Japan Freeway,” where extension work is still underway.

At the same time, Liberia’s population continues to grow, and despite these difficult circumstances, many young people are pursuing their dreams through hard work and determination. Since hearing from Ambassador Appleton that many of these young people admire Japan, I have been exploring ways to promote exchanges among young people in our two countries.

Football is especially popular in Liberia, so I have suggested that sports exchanges through football could be an ideal starting point. Although the Japanese Embassy that once operated in Liberia remains closed, I believe that continued people-to-people exchanges can help strengthen ties between our nations. If more young Liberians become interested in studying in Japan, learn the Japanese language, and eventually pursue educational opportunities here, it could create a mutually beneficial relationship for both countries in the long term.

I have also received encouragement from Mr. Kei Takagi, Chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party’s Foreign Affairs Division, who emphasized that these sincere, person-to-person exchanges ultimately serve Japan’s national interests as well.
I look forward to the day when many of us can visit Liberia together.