Thursday, May 17, 2001
| In the presence of Prime Minister Koizumi and President Portillo, Minister for Foreign Affiars Makiko Tanaka and Minister of Foreign Relations Gabriel Orellana exchange documents concerning Cultural Grant Aid |
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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi met with President Alfonso Portillo of the Republic of Guatemala at the Prime Minister's Official Residence and following talks, a signing ceremony was held in the presence of the two leaders, and official documents exchanged for the "Cultural Grant Aid for Audio and Lighting Equipment for the Small Theater of the Miguel Angel Asturias Cultural Center."
Further events included a welcome dinner for President and Mrs. Portillo, hosted by Prime Minister Koizumi, at which the Prime Minister noted that, "Japan and Guatemala have, over the course of many years built up sound and friendly relations. In particular, since the conclusion of the civil war in Guatemala, Japan has been offering the maximum level of support to the peace process and rebuilding of the nation. Like Guatemala, Japan too was able to rebuild itself after the Second World War with the support of the international community and is therefore one of the countries that is in a position to well understand the significance of your country's efforts toward peace and development." The Prime Minister went on to state that, "I sincerely wish for the further promotion and increase in exchanges and mutual understanding between Japan and the Republic of Guatemala." |