Extending My Gratitude Upon The Completion of My Tenure

I spent two years and 11 months in India and I am leaving Delhi on completion of my diplomatic assignment as Ambassador of Japan to India.
 
I am pleased to note that even under the situation deeply affected by Covid-19 pandemic, ties between Japan and India in the areas of politics, security, economy, and development have further deepened, and cooperation between the two countries has progressed during my tenure. For example, there have been major progress such as the first-ever Japan-India Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting ("2+2"), the signing and implementation of the Japan-India Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (Japan-India ACSA), and the first-ever Japan-India-U.S.-Australia (QUAD) Summit Meeting.
 
On the economic front, during Prime Minister Kishida's visit to India in March this year, the two Prime Ministers confirmed that they will promote active investment by Japanese companies in India in light of the 5-trillion-yen target in public and private sector investment and financing from Japan to India over the next five years. Civil engineering works of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project were also commenced and it is much in progress. In the area of personal exchanges, the Memorandum of Cooperation regarding “Specified Skilled Workers” was signed, in view of post-Covid period. I earnestly hope that the cooperation between the two countries will be further strengthened.
 
Despite the pandemic, I had opportunities to visit many cities in India. Whenever I visit new places, I was always pleasantly surprised by its rich and diverse culture and people’s warm hospitality. I will never forget the beautiful memories in this country. It was my privilege that I was given a chance to work in India as the two friendly nations are celebrating 70^th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Japan and India, and I am convinced that the relationship between the two countries will be further deepened and expanded.
 
My next destination is Italy. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for all the kindness and support you have extended to me during my tenure. I wish all of you good health and the best of luck in your future endeavors.