East meets West - From Hiroshima to Puglia: Handing Over Ceremony of the G7 Presidency from Japan to Italy
2023/12/5
On December 5, 2023, Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi hosted a G7 presidency handover ceremony “East Meets West from Hiroshima to Puglia” at his residence, with over 20 attendees including The Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development in the House of Commons, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, the G7 countries’ ambassadors and diplomats, as well as members of the press. At the ceremony, Chef Yasuhiro Shima of the Embassy of Japan and Chef Cristian Lepore of the Embassy of Italy presented a cuisine collaboration using Japanese and Italian ingredients.
Ambassador Yamanouchi delivered remarks, speaking about the current international situation, where there are many challenges; the G7's joint efforts that are more important than ever; and he introduced the role Japan has played as the holder of this year’s G7 presidency at the Hiroshima Summit and other events. Ambassador Andrea Ferrari then gave his remarks on the challenges that Italy will prioritize and goals for the coming year as the next holder of the G7 presidency. The handover of the presidency was symbolized by the passing of a gavel. The Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, Mr. Ali Ehsassi, M.P., also provided remarks and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. David Morrison, delivered the toast expressing hopes for the future of the G7. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed various dishes prepared by the two chefs, which were collaborative foods from both countries. The Embassy of Japan also took the opportunity to promote Japanese maritime products and sake at this event.
Ambassador Yamanouchi delivered remarks, speaking about the current international situation, where there are many challenges; the G7's joint efforts that are more important than ever; and he introduced the role Japan has played as the holder of this year’s G7 presidency at the Hiroshima Summit and other events. Ambassador Andrea Ferrari then gave his remarks on the challenges that Italy will prioritize and goals for the coming year as the next holder of the G7 presidency. The handover of the presidency was symbolized by the passing of a gavel. The Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, Mr. Ali Ehsassi, M.P., also provided remarks and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. David Morrison, delivered the toast expressing hopes for the future of the G7. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed various dishes prepared by the two chefs, which were collaborative foods from both countries. The Embassy of Japan also took the opportunity to promote Japanese maritime products and sake at this event.
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| Remarks by Ambassador Yamanouchi |
Remarks by Ambassador Ferrari |
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| Mr. Ehsassi delivering remarks; Mr. Morrison leading the toast |
Temari Sushi (or Temarizushi); Guests sampling the dishes |
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| Chef Lepore and Chef Shima demonstrating how the dish is put together; Collaborative ramen made using Italian and Japanese ingredients |
Representatives of the G7 countries |
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| Japanese-Italian creative cuisine using Japanese maritime products | Sake from Japan and wine from Italy |