Hello everyone,
My name is MINAMI Hiroshi, and I am the successor of Ambassador Horinouchi from January 23rd onwards.
As all of you know, the Netherlands and Japan have had exchanges with each other for over 400 years. Continuing to build upon this foundation, our relationship has been further strengthened in recent years through the very close ties between the Dutch Royal House and the Japanese Imperial House, through the bilateral ties between our governments, which are cooperating on many international issues, and through active exchanges in business, sports and cultural sectors. I would like to express my respect and gratitude to everyone who has worked to strengthen the bilateral relations with Japan so far. Aside from these bilateral relations with Japan, the city of The Hague hosts the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, and is, so to speak, the capital of international justice. In addition, as home to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the Netherlands occupies a unique position in the international community.
Up until now, I have been stationed three times in Western Europe; twice in the United Kingdom and once in Geneva. I feel that the Netherlands has a culture and climate quite similar to that of the United Kingdom, making me already feel somewhat familiar with the Netherlands, and I am very happy to work here. Moreover, as someone who has been involved in UN relations for a long time, seeing the world of international justice is a new experience. I am very much looking forward to working in the Netherlands the coming time. On the other hand, an important duty of an Ambassador is to ensure the protection and safety of all Japanese nationals residing abroad. Together with the Embassy staff, I will make every effort to ensure that all Japanese nationals living in the Netherlands or coming to the Netherlands can live and work safely.
On February 15th, I am scheduled to have an audience with His Majesty the King and present my credentials, after which my activities as an official Ambassador will begin. In the future I may meet you on several occasions, but for now, I would like to greet you here on our webpage.
MINAMI Hiroshi
Ambassador of Japan to the Netherlands