Hawassa University hosts a Public Lecture by Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia.
Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia, Her Excellency Ms. Ito Takako, delivers a public lecture to Hawassa University staff and students on the theme "Japan's Foreign Policy in the World and in Africa" at AU Hall, Main campus.
Vice President for Academic Affairs of HU, Dr. Eng. Fisiha Getachew, received the ambassador at his office and discussed different ways the university can strengthen its ties with Japanese universities on areas of mutual interest through the diplomatic mission at the embassy. They also mentioned the historical ties between Ethiopia and Japan which is nearly a century as Japan is among the first foreign countries to forge diplomatic relationship with Ethiopia, 92 years back.
Ms. Takako underscored the fact that Ethiopia and Japan share history in being counties that were never colonized by European powers. In her lecture, Ms. Takako also mentioned the fact that Japan has a strong commitment to refrain from military options in its international affairs stipulated in the national preamble as the most peace-loving nation in the world. With regards to Japan's foreign policy in Africa again, she underlined the major focus being on projects that priotize human development. She also presented the comparative analyses of Japanese and Ethiopian conditions for the audience to learn from.
This has given the participants to raise various questions to the ambassador concerning the international power play and Japanese policy of avoiding military confrontations. The points raised by attendants included: that Ethiopia tried to emulate Japanese experience towards change and development as the best model; how far is Japanese policy in international relations and Africa aligned to the US policy; how the Japanese managed to overcome the disasters of WWII and become allies with the US; and what was the game changer that turned Japan into a super power after its disastrous experience of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
In her reflections, Ms. Takako underlined that education was the major tool that helped Japan to come from the ashes of 1945 to its present status. In addition, the strong culture of hardwork and the high respect of the people for their leaders had a significant role in changing things around. Besides, the multilateral assistance extended from the US and World Bank played huge role in the resurrection of the Japanese economy to flourish after the crisis. The boost of industry and technology with less corruption in Japan coupled with the strong commitment of the people to work hard, respect leaders and follow principles helped in the overall national development. She also mentioned that the US is one of the most important allies to Japan, but their foreign policy are not always the same.
Finally, she said that not allowing impunity and treating grievances with patience can play very important role in getting over the harsh experiences during war and minimize animosity among people, though not easy to eliminate it all together.
