PRESIDENT XANANA GUSMÃO TO RECEIVE NEW JAPANESE AMBASSADOR

Dili, 3 February 2004
The new Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste, H.E. Mr. Hideaki Asahi is scheduled to present his letter of credentials to H.E. President Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão today at the Palace of Ashes at 9am. Ambassador Asahi was previously the Charge d’affaires ad interim for the Embassy of Japan in Dili.

In December 2002, Japan had accredited its Jakarta based Ambassador to Timor-Leste, whilst maintaining an Embassy in Dili. As of tomorrow, Ambassador Asahi will be the first Japanese resident Ambassador accredited to Timor-Leste.

Ambassador Asahi is a senior diplomat with over 30 years experience. Throughout his distinguished career, he has served in the Japanese Embassies in Washington D.C., Tehran and Manila. Ambassador Asahi, who holds a law degree form University of Tokyo and has authored several publications on International Foreign Policy, was also a Cabinet Councilor to the Japanese Prime Minister. In 2003, Ambassador Asahi was appointed Charge d’affaires ad interim for the Embassy of Japan in Dili.

The Government of Japan is Timor-Leste’s largest donor, having provided over USD165.3 million in assistance since 1999. The main focus of its support has been in the areas of capacity and institutional development, agriculture and rural community development, infrastructure rehabilitation and maintenance and peace building. The Japanese Government has also provided direct budgetary support to the Government of Timor-Leste. In 2002 Japan sent a contingent of its Self-Defense Forces to Timor-Leste to serve as part of the UN PKF.

“I welcome the Japanese Government’s appointment of a resident Ambassador to Timor-Leste, as I believe this provides an excellent avenue for us to explore further opportunities to strengthen cooperation with our largest donor. Japan’s financial and military contributions have been significant in the re-construction and development of our country, especially in the key areas of infrastructure rehabilitation and agriculture”, stated President Xanana Gusmão.