Happy New Year to you all.

Following the 150th anniversary of our bilateral diplomatic relations in 2008, we celebrated the 400th anniversary of trade relations between Japan and the Netherlands last year. Many successful events and exchange activities were held throughout this country. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who co-operated, participated and supported the commemoration.

  In April last year, the 10th annual Cherry Blossom Festival was held in Amstelveen and the Japanese Garden in Clingendael was opened again to the public. In June the first-ever SUMO performance was held in the Netherlands. The highlight of the celebrations was undoubtedly the visit to this country in August of Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino. In spite of the recent serious economic situation, our two countries continue to maintain strong economic relations. Investment from Japan into the Netherlands remains the largest among the European countries and the Netherlands has been ranked as the largest European investor to Japan. At the summit meeting in Japan last October, Prime Minister Hatoyama and Prime Minister Balkenende agreed that our two countries would further strengthen co-operation in the field of technological innovation in particular, environmental and energy-saving technology. I am confident that these efforts will contribute to further consolidation of friendship between Japan and the Netherlands.

I will continue to make every effort with your support to strengthen the ties of friendship that have connected our countries for over four centuries.

I wish everyone a happy and prosperous year.

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