SVG PM Dr Ralph Gonsalves conferred Japan’s Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun

Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves was recently conferred Japan’s Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.

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The accolade was presented by Japanese Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hosaka Yasushi on Tuesday, during the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States held in Antigua and Barbuda.

At the ceremony, Ambassador Matsubara articulated that this conferral marks a first-class honor and it is very rarely conferred to sitting Heads of Government, but expressed that it is reflective of Japan’s high esteem for Prime Minister Gonsalves’ vision and work in advancing bilateral and global cooperation, for development.

Ambassador Matsubara shared poignant messages from Prime Minister of Japan; Fumio Kishida and widow of Japan’s longest serving Prime Minister; Shinzo Abe.

The diplomatic honor reflects the strong and positive relationship between the two countries and also underscores the global recognition of Prime Minister Gonsalves’ contributions to international diplomacy and cooperation.

It is expected that the actual conferment ceremony of the national decoration will take place in St. Vincent and the Grenadines during this calendar year, at a mutually convenient time.

The Order of the Rising Sun was established in 1875 by the Japanese Emperor.

In its design, there is the central feature of the rays of sunlight from the rising sun. This symbolizes energy as powerful as the sun. It was awarded to Gonsalves in the form of a Grand Cordon class medal, the highest rank available within the order.

The Prime Minister thanks the Government of Japan for its kind consideration and accepted the national decoration with humility in the quest for the further strengthening of the already excellent relations between Japan and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the statement concludes.

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Notably, 2024 has been designated as the “Japan-CARICOM Friendship Year” and commemorative projects will be implemented in Japan and CARICOM countries with the aim of deepening exchanges between Japan and CARICOM countries.