Ambassador Suzuki’s visit to North Wales

From 9 to 10 December, Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki visited North Wales as part of Wales’ year-long Wales and Japan 2025 initiative between the Welsh Government and Japan. During the visit, he exchanged views with Ms Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of the Welsh Government. He also visited Toyota UK’s Deeside plant, Conwy Castle and Mostyn hall.
 

Meeting with First Minister Morgan

On 10 December, Ambassador Suzuki met with First Minister Eluned Morgan. Reflecting upon the important achievements of Wales and Japan 2025, they had a wide-ranging discussion on keeping the momentum moving for Japan-Wales relations in the coming years, including cooperation in the economic and cultural fields.
   

Visit to Toyota Manufacturing UK, Deeside Engine Plant

The same day Ambassador Suzuki visited the Toyota Manufacturing UK Deeside Plant with First Minister Morgan. He toured the production line for car engines and was briefed about Toyota's efforts towards Net Zero and the company's socio-economic contributions to the region. He then exchanged views with Toyota officials. Additionally, a commemorative plaque for "Wales and Japan 2025" was installed at the plant.
   

Visit to Conwy Castle

Also on 10 December, Ambassador Suzuki visited Conwy Castle, a World Heritage Site in the UK, together with First Minister Morgan. He was given an overview by Councillor Gary Willetts, Mayor of Conwy, and Conwy City Councillors about the history of Conwy Castle and Japan-Wales local partnerships such as the castle’s twinning relationship with Himeji Castle in Japan. He then toured the castle.
 

Visit to Mostyn Hall

The previous day Ambassador Suzuki had visited Mostyn Hall, owned by Baron Mostyn. There he was given an account of the long-standing connections between the Mostyn family and Japan, and he viewed exhibits on the history of Mostyn Hall. He also exchanged views with Lord Mostyn on Japan-Wales exchange in the North Wales region.