President Chen Shui-bian, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), on the morning of February 18 conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon on the former Chairman of the Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council Shinji Sato and the current Chairman Takeo Hiranuma. The honor was presented to the two in recognition of their efforts and outstanding contributions over the long term to promote substantive and friendly relations between Japan and Taiwan.
Upon conclusion of the ceremony, President Chen held a meeting with the guests. The president said that thanks to the efforts led by former Chairman Sato and current Chairman Hiranuma, the Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council has pushed forward a number of bills favorable to Taiwan and has promoted substantive and friendly ties between the two countries. The president said that he bestowed the nation's highest honor on the two in recognition of the work they have carried out over the years and in deepest appreciation of their contributions. President Chen said he expects relations between Taiwan and Japan to become even friendlier in the future.
President Chen furthermore said that even though Taiwan and Japan do not maintain formal diplomatic relations, the two countries have close economic and commercial ties. He said that he is especially pleased that trade and economic cooperation between the two countries presently stands at an all time high. The president noted that bilateral trade last year exceeded US$60 billion. In addition, people of the two countries chalked up a total of 2.5 million visits to the other. These accomplishments represent the joint efforts made by the representative offices of each nation. They also highlight the efforts made by members of the Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council, for which the president expressed his appreciation. President Chen especially pointed out that when Chairman Hiranuma served as Minister of International Trade and Industry in 2001, he assisted Taiwan in becoming a formal member of the World Trade Organization. Furthermore, when he became the Chairman of the Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council in 2005, he pushed the Japanese government to provide visa-free courtesies for Taiwan tourists. In 2007, he also was instrumental in a move in which Japan and Taiwan recognized the drivers' licenses issued by each country. This has made it more convenient for young people to travel around when visiting the other's country, he said.
President Chen also thanked Chairman Hiranuma, former Chairman Sato, and all other members of the Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council for their assistance and desire to see Taiwan participate in the World Health Organization and become an observer in the World Health Assembly (WHA). He said their efforts have pushed the Japanese government to publicly express its support for observer status for Taiwan in the WHA. President Chen said he hopes that the Council in the future will continue to provide Taiwan appropriate support and encouragement in participating in international organizations. The president believes that it is without a doubt in the interest of both nations for Taiwan to be a member of international organizations. The joint visit by the former and present heads of the Council represents that the relationship between Taiwan and the Council is becoming closer and friendlier all the time, President Chen said.
Former Chairman Sato and present Chairman Hiranuma delivered remarks upon receiving the honor. In accepting the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon, the two said that this not only marks their lifelong work, but is also an honor for the Japanese people as a whole. They said that in the future they will continue to do their utmost to promote friendship and strong ties between the two nations.