Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : TOKYO
Tarikh/Date : 24/12/91
Tajuk/Title : THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW
CHANCERY AND RESIDENSE COMPLEX OF
THE MALAYSIA EMBASSY
Your Excellencies
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is my pleasure to warmly welcome all of you present
to the official opening of the new Chancery and Residence
complex of the Malaysian Embassy in Tokyo. We are grateful
for your friendship and support and we are happy that you
are able to join us at this auspicious ceremony.
2. I am honoured to officiate the opening of this new
complex, the latest and most costly of all the overseas
missions owned by the Malaysian Government. Its
construction was made possible through the sale of our
former Ambassador's residence and land in Hon-Komagome in
December 1988. This new complex as well as the 24 staff
apartments in Kami Meguro were built at a cost of slightly
over 6 billion Yen (M$114 million).
3. Although it seems very different to be in this new
building, we are really still in the same place in Shibuya.
Our first Embassy structure was here on this site from 1970.
Then in 1988 we began in earnest to plan a better and bigger
Embassy to meet with the greater amount of work. The old
Embassy was then demolished to make way for the complex
which you see here. This growth reflects the importance of
Japan in our bilateral relations and this modern Embassy is
a symbol of our cooperation and friendship.
4. The construction of the Complex is a source of pride
for us. Its design, incorporating a harmonious blend of
traditional Malay, Islamic and Japanese architecture, will,
I hope, contribute to the architectural diversity of Tokyo,
thus further enhancing its cosmopolitan character.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
5. Malaysia and Japan have always enjoyed warm and
friendly relations. Japan is not only Malaysia's largest
trading partner and foreign investor, but has also inspired
us in our effort towards economic development. Japan almost
without exception is a beacon of inspiration to the develop-
ing countries in our region. Hence we would encourage Japan
to play a leadership role in the economic development of the
Asia Pacific region.
6. I have faith that the good relationship between Japan
and Malaysia will continue to grow and the new Chancery
which we see today will be used as a vital facility for that
relationship. The Embassy will house the many Malaysian
Government agencies, now scattered throughout Tokyo, and
thus further upgrade its services to the Japanese public as
well as Malaysians in Japan.
7. It is now my pleasure to declare this Complex open.
|