President Tsai Ing-wen conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon on Hideo Tarumi, former deputy minister of Japan’s Foreign Minister’s Secretariat, May 9 in recognition of his contributions to advancing bilateral relations.
During a ceremony at the Presidential Office in Taipei City, Tsai said Tarumi is a good friend of Taiwan and a key figure in promoting the partnership. The state honor represents the sincere appreciation of the government and people of Taiwan, she added.
According to Tsai, Tarumi’s diplomatic career has been closely connected with Taiwan, through both his tenure with Japan’s Foreign Ministry and the time stationed in the country. His efforts to promote a visa waiver program are a major reason Japan is now a leading destination for tourists from Taiwan, she said.
The president added that Tarumi began giving speeches at junior and senior high schools around Japan more than 10 years ago to encourage students to visit Taiwan. Tsai said many Japanese students have visited the Presidential Office as a result of his outreach.
Taiwan and Japan are partners in freedom and democracy, and both are committed to safeguarding peace in the region, Tsai said, adding that she looks forward to the retired diplomat’s future visits.
In response, Tarumi said he was greatly honored to receive the state medal directly from the president. Since his first visit to Taiwan more than two decades ago and after working and living here for so many years, the former official said he understands deeply how the two sides are connected, adding that he will continue to treasure the friendship with Taiwan as a photographer and scholar. (SFC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
from Taiwan Today – Top News