The Diplomat
Japan’s Ambassador to Madrid, Kenji Hiramatsu, has published a farewell message on the occasion of the end of his term in Spain, the country where he began his diplomatic career 42 years ago and which is, therefore, “the perfect finishing touch” to his termination.
“After three years as Japan’s ambassador to Spain, my mission comes to an end and I must return to Japan today,” said Kenji Hiramatsu in his message, issued by the Embassy on October 31. “It is a particularly emotional moment for me since, 42 years ago, I began my diplomatic career in Spain and it is also here that it comes to an end. But I have to say that Spain is the perfect finale,” he continued.
“Returning to Spain, after so many years, gave me immense joy. I was reunited with a country that retained its essence, but which had undergone great development over the past 40 years, and with a strong presence in many areas. I admire the effort made by the Spanish people as a whole during all these years,” the ambassador continued.
“During my stay in Spain, I have been able to enjoy the vibrant social and cultural life of Madrid, which has become one of the main European cities, but also all the attractions offered by the Spanish geography. I have tried to get to know all its corners and it fills me with satisfaction to have witnessed the great interest and respect for Japan everywhere,” he said.
“As Japan’s ambassador to Spain, I have come to the deep conviction that Japan and Spain are, and can be even more, excellent partners. We share not only fundamental values, great business projects, or common challenges for the future, but also great mutual admiration,” Hiramatsu continued. “Thanks to the invaluable collaboration of all of you, our relations have been strengthened in numerous areas-political, economic or cultural, among others. I hope that, with your continued cooperation, they will further intensify in the future,” he added. “We live in a changing world full of uncertainty, but I am certain that the friendship between Spain and Japan will endure in time, because they are two countries that are close at heart,” he added.
“I would like to express to all of you my sincere gratitude for the support you have always given me and for your warm hospitality. You have welcomed me with open arms and I will welcome you in the same way in Japan, as I hope to see you soon in my country. Rest assured that I will do everything in my power, albeit from a different position, to further strengthen our relations. I am not saying goodbye today, as it is my intention to keep alive the ties created with all of you and with Spain,” he concluded.
Kenji Hiramatsu returned to Tokyo at the end of October after staying in our country since November 2019. Before arriving in Spain, he was Director General of Global Affairs and Vice Minister of Foreign Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador to India. His first trip to Spain was in 1980, when he was sent to our country by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to study Spanish. Takahiro Nakamae, ambassador to Argentina since July 2019 and former director of the Office of Latin American Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been appointed to replace him.
