Minister Kishino delivers a speech

Your Royal Highness, Sir Stephen, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure for me to have the opportunity to speak on this most joyous occasion. I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations on the presentation of the UK Pavilion today. As you may be aware, due to a conflicting engagement, Ambassador Orita is unable to join us this evening. He asked me to pass on his congratulations to all of you.

The UK's participation in this exciting venture has special significance. First, the history of expositions dates back to the Great Exposition of London in 1851. The UK is the initiator. Second, the UK has historically been a very important partner for Japan. The UK was the first allied country of modern Japan, and today our two countries enjoy partnership on a global scale. Third, the main theme of the Aichi Expo is ��ׯature's Wisdom�ߡ�and explicitly focuses on environment. This is the area in which both the UK and Japan have common interest and expertise and there is the potential for cooperation and collaboration. Therefore, the Japanese people were delighted when Prime Minister Blair announced in Japan last year that the UK would take part in this exposition. We are most grateful to all those who have worked hard to make the British participation possible.

Six months from now, the blueprint for the UK Pavilion presented this evening will have taken form in Aichi. British gardens have already won quite a following in Japan in recent years. Technological innovations inspired by nature which you plan to present are also fascinating. I am sure that the UK Pavilion will attract visitors, making a contribution to the success of the Expo. We expect 15 million people will visit the Expo over the six-month period. About ten percent will be foreign visitors. May I take this opportunity to strongly encourage the distinguished guests attending this evening to ��Ϸisit Japan' next year, so as to experience at first hand the UK Pavilion ? and, indeed, the entire venture in Aichi.

Thank you.

Minister Kishino with HRH The Duke of York

Minister Kishino with Sir Stephen Brown (Chief Executive of UK Trade & Investment)