Happy New Year, everyone.
Last year, the world experienced grave effects due to unprecedented crisis of COVID-19 pandemic. It was a year where we faced a huge challenge of how to balance protective measures and diplomatic activities. As it became inevitable to refrain from numerous activities, it was truly unfortunate that my visit to Bhutan and events such as Japan Week in the Royal Kingdom had to be called off.
Despite the critical situation, the Economic and Social Development Programme providing medical equipment such as ambulances to Bhutan was signed as cooperative projects between the two countries. Similarly, the Project for Reconstruction of Bridges on Primary National Highway No. 4, which reconstructs four bridges along the national highway, was completed.
I am certain that these supports not only contribute to improving livelihood of the Bhutanese people but also play an immense role in deepening the ties between Japan and Bhutan.
Though various activities are heavily constrained, I am convinced that the trust of the Bhutanese people towards Japan is unwavering.
As of now, we are unable to foresee the COVID-19 situation ahead of us, but because we are under such condition, I believe that we must steadily proceed with the cooperation between the two countries. I wish to reconfirm my unwavering commitment to ensure that the mutual trust and the friendship between Japan and Bhutan will continue to deepen and expand.
While hoping for the situation to end as soon as possible, I would like to extend my best wishes for 2021 to be an even more wonderful year for the two countries and a fruitful year for everyone.
1st January 2021
Satoshi Suzuki
Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Bhutan
Ambassador's Message (11/2019)