[2nd July 2012]
AMBASSADOR VISITS SAPPORO, HOKKAIDO REGION
His Excellency Amb. Benson H.O. Ogutu was on an official visit to Sapporo, Hokkaido Region from 26th – 27th June, 2012. During the visit, the Ambassador held fruitful meetings with Mr. Fumio Ueda, Mayor of Sapporo City and Prof. Hiroshi Saeki, President of Hokkaido University. Discussions focused, among others, on issues pertaining to population, investments, education partnership and bilateral relations between Japan and Kenya. The Ambassador also met with Mr. Kenjiro Yamagata, one of the potential investors in agricultural sector in Kenya.
Subsequently, the Ambassador held a meeting with Kenyans in Hokkaido Region. During the meeting, the Kenyans were enlightened on bilateral relations between Japan and Kenya as well as the role of the Diaspora in the Kenya development process. H.E. the Ambassador also briefed the meeting on the recent developments in Kenya, including; the upcoming general election, security, EAC integration, one border post, amongst others. He underscored the importance of establishing strong associations of Kenya Nationals living in Japan, saying that such organization would facilitate friendship, mutual support and networking among Kenyans.
Other national issues discussed with Kenyans were: scholarships; education/ research partnership with Kenya institutions of higher learning, investments, role of the Mission, Diaspora diplomacy, Vision 2030, and Kenya Day in Japan.
H.E. Amb. Benson H.O. Ogutu (left) pays a courtesy call on Mr. Fumio Ueda, Mayor of Sapporo City (right) on 26th June, 2012.
H.E. Ambassador Benson H.O. Ogutu exchanging gifts with Mr. Fumio Ueda, Mayor of Sapporo City at the latter's office on 26th June, 2012 |
H.E. the Ambassador poses for a photo with Prof. Hiroshi Saeki, President of Hokkaido University at the University on 26th June, 2012 |
From left to right: Mr. Masani Gomita - Director Office of International Affairs; Prof. Takeo Hondoh-Vice President; Mr. Paul K. Ndung'u-Kenya Embassy; Prof. Hiroshi Saeki-President of Hokkaido University; H.E. Amb. Benson H.O. Ogutu; Prof. Masahiro Okumura-Director of Hokkaido University, Lusaka Office; Mr. John Nduko-Student; Mr. Mathew Kaikai – Kenya Embassy on 26th June, 2012 |
From left to right: Mr. Paul K. Ndung'u; H.E. the Ambassador; Prof. Hirofumi Sawa and Prof. Chihiro Sugimoto at the Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University on 26th June, 2012 |
H.E. the Ambassador poses for a photo with Kenyan students at Hokkaido University on 26th June, 2012 |
The Ambassador and Embassy officials pose for a group photo with representatives of Kenyan Nationals in Hokkaido on 26th June, 2012 |
H.E. the Ambassador with Mr. Kenjiro Yamagata (left) at the latter's farm in Hokkaido on 27th June, 2012 |
Mr. Kenjiro Yamagata explaining about new technology for farming at his farm in Hokkaido on 27th June, 2012 |