Speeches / Statements

Remarks by EAM at Inauguration of New Chancery Building of the Indian Embassy in Tokyo

04/07/2009

Distinguished members of India-Japan Parliamentary Friendship League and Japan India Association;

Ambassador H. K. Singh;

Distinguished Japanese guests;

Members of the Indian community in Japan;

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On my very first visit to Japan as the Minister of External Affairs, it is my pleasant duty to inaugurate this newly constructed Chancery building of the Embassy of India in Tokyo.

2. Japan is a major partner in Asia, a country with which we share civilizational affinities, common values and interests. As a new Asia unfolds in the 21st Century, we stand together in the determination to bring peace, progress and prosperity to our respective peoples and to our region and the world.

3. It has long been the vision of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to transform the India-Japan Partnership and realize its true potential. In the last three years, we have established a Strategic and Global Partnership and given concrete shape to that vision. In my fruitful discussions with the Foreign Minister and Prime Minister yesterday, we have agreed to work for the steady implementation of the established Roadmap for enhancing our bilateral relations across the board.

4. This new building, located in the sylvan surroundings of Tokyo’s most famous cherry blossom boulevard, is a fitting symbol of the expanding partnership between our two countries and a reflection of India as a modern and great nation.

5. The Ministry of External Affairs has given priority attention to augmenting the infrastructure of our diplomatic missions abroad, in keeping with the changing global environment and the great transformations which are taking place in India. The Tokyo Construction Project was among the first to be completed. It sets high benchmarks which I hope will be emulated in the Ministry’s projects in other capitals.

6. During my brief tour of the excellent facilities offered by this new Chancery, I have been struck me most by the care and attention that has gone into ensuring the highest standards of design and execution. The functional requirements of an Embassy have been ensured in an ambience of architectural elegance using some of the most advanced building technologies extant.

7. To our Japanese friends and members of the Indian community, I would like to address a special word of welcome to this abode of India. This building and its Cultural Center will henceforth be your base for strengthening the bonds between our countries which you have long and steadfastly supported.

8. I wish to congratulate Plants Associates Inc. for their exemplary work as Architects and Consultants for the Tokyo Construction Project. I would also like to thank the constructors Shimizu Corporation for their outstanding work in building this Embassy.

9. Finally, I wish to congratulate Ambassador Hemant Krishan Singh for his stewardship in making this Project an admirable success. The Ministry values your contributions highly and commends your efforts to realize the Tokyo Construction Project.

Thank you.

Tokyo
July 4, 2009