Arab News Japan

DUBAI: The Japanese ambassador to Lebanon, MAGOSHI Masayuki hosted a reception at the Phoenicia hotel in Beirut to celebrate emperor Naruhito’s 63^rd birthday and Japan’s national day on Feb 17^th.

The event was attended by deputy Salim Sayegh, representing Nabih berri, Speaker of the Parliament of the Lebanese Republic, Nasser Yassin, Minister of Environment, representing Najib Mikati, President of the Council of Ministers, and  Abir Ali representing Abdallah Abou Habib, Minister of Foreign Affairs

The reception started with both the Lebanese and Japanese national anthems followed by a welcoming speech given by MAGOSHI during which he said, “it is a great honour and pleasure to welcome you here today to celebrate Japan’s national day and the 63^rd anniversary of the emperor of Japan.”

He went on to mention the toughness of the last few years on the world and pledging Japan’s further efforts to support the free and open international order based on the rule of law, given Japan’s powerful position being a crucial G7 member and a non-permanent member at the United Nations security council.

The ambassador offered his condolences to the victims of the tragic earthquake that happened in Syria and Turkiye saying “we are determined to provide all possible assistance to the people affected by the earthquake.”

To end the reception, MAGOSHI assured utmost support to Lebanon through the country’s hardships until its full recovery from the multifaceted crisis and help further strengthen bilateral relations.

A sake cask was used to toast new beginnings and future stability.