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On January 21, 2020, the Prime Minister hosted a summit meeting and other events with H.E. Mr. Mateusz Morawiecki, Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
The two leaders attended a salute and guard of honor ceremony, followed by a summit meeting. Afterwards, the leaders held a joint press announcement.
 
Lastly, the Prime Minister hosted a banquet at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence, and said in his address,
 
“I extend a heartfelt welcome to Prime Minister Morawiecki on his visit to Japan.
 
At the meeting held earlier, we had a very meaningful exchange of views. This evening, I would like to invite you to relax and enjoy Japanese cuisine.
 
Last year, Japan and Poland celebrated the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Among the numerous events held to commemorate this milestone, the visit by Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino to Poland, which was the first overseas visit by His Imperial Highness as the Crown Prince, symbolized the friendly relations between our two countries.
 
I, too, visited Poland as the Prime Minister of Japan in 2013. I was very pleased to see the great interest in Japan among the people of Poland, and felt that the strong bond at the grassroots level sustains the relationship between Japan and Poland.
 
Prime Minister Morawiecki too has a vast wealth of knowledge about sumo wrestling. I was surprised to learn that when we met last year. I am very pleased to hear that you enjoyed watching the January Grand Sumo Tournament yesterday. I had originally wanted to invite sumo wrestlers to this banquet tonight, but unfortunately I could not as they are in the middle of a tournament.
 
There are many Japanese people who love Poland. This is the year of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, which is held once every five years. I am confident that many young Japanese pianists will present beautiful performances in Warsaw. At this banquet, we are also joined by a pianist who participated in the competition.
 
Japan will host the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. I sincerely look forward to the great success of athletes from both Japan and Poland at these Games.
 
Mayor Fuchikami of Tsuruga is also present here today. Just as we did 100 years ago, when many Polish orphans living in poverty in Siberia were welcomed at Tsuruga Port, I hope that we can further deepen the trust and friendship we have with Poland going forward.
 
While I am unable to introduce everyone who is present today, we have invited people who support the bilateral relations between Japan and Poland in various areas, including politics, the economy, and culture. Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to all of you for your contributions to the development of Japan-Poland relations, and I ask for your continued support.
 
Now, I would like to propose a toast to the health of Prime Minister Morawiecki and everyone here today, and to the continued development of bilateral relations between our countries.”