Bilateral Relations | Embassy of Japan in Ireland

High-Level Visits between Japan and Ireland 2002

August

From 31st August to 2nd September, Mr. Koki Chuma, member of the House of Representatives, visited Ireland as leader of a group of members of the Standing Committee on Fundamental National Policies (he was accompanied by members of the House of Representatives Mr. Takamori Makino, Mr. Sakihito Ozawa, and Mr. Shozo Azuma).During their stay, the group exchanged views with the Chairman of Dail Eireann Dr. Rory O’Hanlon T.D., Minister of State Ms. Mary Hanafin T.D., and the Deputy Leader of Fine Gael Mr. Richard Bruton T.D.

June & May

The FIFA World Cup took place in Japan and South Korea in June 2002. The Republic of Ireland Football Team successfully qualified to gain entry to the first round games of the tournament, and progressedto the second round games in South Korea.

Mr. Takayoshi Taniguchi, Senior Vice Minister of Finance, visited Ireland to inspect the International Financial Services Centre, which is a successful example of a special financial zone.He also exchanged views with his counterparts of the relevant Irish government authorities.

April & March

On 30th April 2002, Mr. Koji Omi, Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs and Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy visited Ireland to exchange views with leading Irish financial executives, and inspect the International Financial Services Centre.In the morning, the Minister met with Mr. Sean Dorgan, Chief Executive of IDA Ireland, and in the afternoon he exchanged views with Mr. Seamus Brennan T.D., Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and Government Chief Whip.

Officials from Chiba City visited Ireland to arrange World Cup camp details with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). The Republic of Ireland Football Team had their base camp at Makuhari, Chiba Prefecture for the duration of the first round matches.

February & January

Izumo City officials led by the City Mayor from Shimane Prefecture visited Ireland to sign formal contracts with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). The Republic of Ireland Football Team preparedfor their FIFA World Cup matches at their base camp in Izumo City before moving to Chiba Prefecture for the duration of the games.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Brian Cowen T.D., made his first visit to Japan from 20th to 22nd January 2002.On 21st January Mr. Cowen attended the Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan, which was held in Tokyo.At the Conference, the Minister expressed Ireland’s commitment to providing support and reconstruction assistance to the people of Afghanistan.During his stay, Mr. Cowen also met with leading Japanese business executives.Officials from Chiba City visited Ireland to arrange World Cup camp details with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). The Republic of Ireland Football Team had their base camp at Makuhari, Chiba Prefecture for the duration of the first round matches.