President Lee Teng-hui this morning confers on Mr. Sashikawa Takeshi, director-general of the fire prevention center of Hokaido, Japan, the Order of Brilliant Star with Violet Grand Cordon in recognition of the latter's contribution to promoting Sino-Japanese fire fighting cooperation and exchanges.
The decorating ceremony is held at the Office of the President. Dr. Huang Kun-hui, secretary-general to the President, Mr. Lin Feng-cheng, minister of the interior, Dr. Huang Da-chou, chairman of the Research, Development and Evaluation Commission, Executive Yuan, Mr. Stephen S. F. Chen, deputy secretary-general to the President, Mr. C. J. Chen, vice foreign minister, Mr. Ko Ching-lang, deputy director-general of the National Fire Administration, Ministry of the Interior, and Mr. Yamada Yoji, Japan's renowned film director, are invited to witness the ceremony.
In a speech after receiving the medal, Mr. Sashikawa says he feels greatly honored for being decorated by President Lee, adding that he will continuously devote himself to promoting even closer cooperation on fire prevention between both countries.
In a chat with Mr. Yamada, President Lee points out that the success of the ROC-made films in the international film arena in recent years results from the ROC's social pluralism. The President also briefs his guests on the ROC's on-going political, judiciary, educational, cultural and spiritual reforms.