Ambassador Ishikawa’s Official Visit to Nova Scotia
Ambassador Ishikawa made an official visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia from August 8th to 14th. He made courtesy calls on a number of dignitaries including: The Honourable Mayann E. Francis, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia; The Honourable Darrell Dexter, Premier of Nova Scotia; The Honourable Percy A. Paris, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism; Dr. Paul LaFleche, Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture; and His Worship Peter J. Kelly, Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Ambassador Ishikawa expressed Japan’s gratitude for the tremendous support offered by Canadians in the wake of the East Japan Great Earthquake. He outlined the many challenges facing Japan as it moves forward and rebuilds communities devastated by the disaster. He placed particular emphasis on the need to support the most vulnerable people in affected areas, including the elderly and orphaned children.
While in the province, Ambassador Ishikawa met with a wide range of people including Japanese residents, academics, and business people. These meetings allowed him to engage in a valuable exchange of ideas on topics including trade and educational exchanges.
Ambassador Ishikawa attended events related to the Japan Maritime Training Squadron’s first port visit to Halifax since 2002. Ambassador Ishikawa was most pleased to participate in these events, which served to illustrate the growing cooperation between Canada and Japan in the area of defence and security.
Ambassador Ishikawa appeared on a local CTV program on August 11th and an interview he gave to the Chronicle Herald appeared in the August 12 edition of that publication.
This official visit was Ambassador Ishikawa’s first opportunity to visit Canada’s Atlantic region and to meet and talk with those living there. The visit facilitated Japan’s ongoing desire to strengthen its relationship with all regions from coast to coast in Canada.
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