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Intervento dell’Ambasciatore d’Italia in Giappone, Gianluigi Benedetti, in occasione della serata di gala per celebrare la IX edizione della “Settimana della Cucina Italiana nel Mondo 2024” (Tokyo, 20 novembre 2024)

Good evening everyone, for my wife Sabina and me it is a great honor to host this dinner dedicated to the celebration of the Italian Cuisine in Japan, in the presence of such distinguished guests.

 

I am particularly thankful to President Lamberto Dini, former Italian Prime Minister, and his wife Signora Donatella, for having accepted our invitation. His presence in Tokyo as member of the international Jury of the Praemium Imperiale is a testament to his continuing role in creating bridges between our two Countries.

 

Italy and Japan’s relations have never been stronger, and they are continuing to grow. The decisive political impulse given by Prime Minister Meloni and former Prime Minister Kishida over the past two years with the establishment of the Strategic Partnership has paved the way for a new era of friendship and cooperation, a shin-jidai as I call it.

 

Our back-to-back G7 Presidencies, in an extremely complex phase for global affairs, stimulated deeper and more strategic exchanges, joint activities and programs at all level. Tonight I would like to acknowledge the presence of Honorable Shintaro Ito, former Minister of Environment, Ambassador Hiroyasu Ando Chairman of the Tokyo International Film Festival, and Mrs. Yuko Hayashi, wife of the Chief Cabinet Secretary. With them, we worked closely to advance our partnership, and I am confident that the positive development of our relations will continue under the new Ishiba Government, given our shared interests and common values.

 

As our two Governments continue to foster ever greater cooperation, so too does civil society, bringing our peoples closer together and strengthening our long-standing friendship and admiration for each other history, cultures, traditions, and excellent products.

 

Tonight, in the week dedicated to the Italian Cuisine in the world, we will have the pleasure to taste a special Italian menu prepared by Chef Alessandro Circiello, Ambassador of the “Italian Taste” for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President of the Chef Association of Lazio Region, nutrition expert and television personality.

 

His recipes, prepared with the contribution of Lionel Ciambelli the house Chef and Silvana Musej Pastry Chef from Italy, are inspired by the principles of the “Mediterranean Diet”, “Roots Cuisine”, “Health” and “Tradition”. I am sure that his choice of dishes and wines will bring us in a fantastic journey through flavors and tastes of the Italian Peninsula.

 

But before moving to the dining room, let me invite you to enjoy, in the spirit of friendship and reciprocity, an exquisite performance of Japanese traditional dance by a young and promising talent, Mr. Reita Fujima. With every graceful movement and meticulous gesture, he will weave a story that reflects the elegance, artistry, and profound heritage of Japan, offering us a rare and intimate glimpse into the soul of its cultural legacy.

 

Thank you very much again for your attendance tonight and let us enjoy this beautiful moment together as a prelude to the culinary journey awaiting us.