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On 5 June 2007, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks opened Latvia's Honorary Consulate on the Japanese island of Okinawa and appointed Mr Yoshimitsu Onaga as Latvia's Honorary Consul. The Foreign Minister presented Mr Onaga with a seal portraying the image of the large national coat of arms, the flag and other symbols of Latvia. In his address, Minister Pabriks expressed the hope that opening of the consulate will contribute to the bilateral relations between both countries and also noted with appreciation the fact that Latvia's Consulate is the first consulate of one of the EU member states in Okinawa. Nearly 100 officials of Okinawa, local businessmen and representatives from higher educational establishments were present at the official reception. Latvia's new consul has already demonstrated his facilitation skills and takes an active role in the building of co-operation between Latvia and Japan and actively represents Latvia's political and economic interests in Okinawa.
As part of his visit to Japan, the Foreign Minister awarded the former Japanese Chargé d'Affaires ad interim in Latvia, Susumu Tanaka, with Latvia's highest State award – the IV class of the Order of the Three Stars. Mr Tanaka has organized a number of cultural events, thereby making a significant contribution to the promotion of the Japanese language and culture in Latvia. He has also provided financial support to the Riga Culture School and has participated actively in the organization of visits by Latvian officials to Japan.
Minister Pabriks also met with the Governor of Okinawa, Hirokazu Nakamai, who expressed his appreciation of the opening of Latvia's Honorary Consulate, and expressed interest in building contacts with one of Latvian cities or regions.
During his meeting with the senior officials of the Ryukyu University, the discussion dealt with the education systems in Latvia and in Japan and prospects for mutual co-operation. Mr Pabriks also met with the Latvian student Inese Avana who is a student of the folklore of Okinawa at the Ryukyu University.
As part of his working visit to Japan, Minister Pabriks is also scheduled to meet with Taro Aso, the Foreign Minister of Japan, representatives of the Japan-Latvia co-operation group and its Chairperson, Hirofumi Nakasone, members of the International Friendship Exchange Council and its Chairman Sasakawa. The Latvian Foreign Minister will also address the participants of the international conference History and Experiences Shaping the Future: Relations between Russia and Its Neighbours.
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