Questions & Answers, Messenger
Ambassador Uehara says goodbye bows out
Tuesday, December 1
H.E. Mr. Tadaharu UEHARA, the outgoing Ambassador of Japan to Georgia has just left Tbilisi as his term is nearing its end (2017-2020). The Messenger has reached out to the Embassy of Japan in Tbilisi for the interview with the soon to be former Ambassador Mr. Uehara.
Firstly, I would like to express our team’s gratitude for your final interview in the role of an ambassador to Georgia.
The recent parliamentary elections in Georgia were under the spotlight after the March 8 agreement. The 2020 elections sparked political disagreement between the ruling team and the opposition. The diplomatic corps has been calling for dialogue and the first two rounds of negotiations were already held. What are your stance and expectations on this matter?
Japan has supported Georgia based on our understanding that both countries share fundamental values, such as democracy, rule of law and human rights, etc. It was sad, on my departure as completing the mission to Georgia, to see a serious disturbance during the process of the recent parliamentary elections. I would like to urge that this unusual situation is a big challenge for Georgian democracy. I believe that a Georgian politician will make the right decision to bring the country back on its feet for the people of Georgia. I believe that Georgian politicians can continue to keep the dialogue for finding the solution. The dialogue is the responsibility of both the ruling party and the opposition. The dialogue is the only way to maintain democracy. I do hope that Georgian politics will not waste time and build a democratic country of Georgia.
How would you assess the development of Japan-Georgia relations? And in which sectors do you see the room for further deepening cooperation?
It is my honor to say that Georgia has raised the attention of Japanese tourists and businesses for the last three years. I thank Tochinoshin (Sumo wrestler), Shkmeruli (the most popular Georgian food in Japan), and the Government of Georgia for a contribution to this positive change. I see that the appetite among Japanese businesses has never been discouraged under the very difficult economic environment due to Covid-19. They are interested in the fields of renewable energy, ecologically responsible technology, sustainable urban development, and so on. It is a choice of Georgia to keep demonstrating its resilience against the Covid-19 pandemic and trustworthiness of the business environment based on rule of law so that Georgia can win the trust of foreign private businesses.
What is Georgia’s potential in the role of a crossroad hub? Do you think our country is on the right track?
Yes, but it seems to me too slow to move. Transit between the east and the west drives the trade and the movement of people. Georgia plays a crucial role in the economic prosperity in Central Asia, Caucasus, and Eastern Europe by providing safe and efficient corridors. This is the opportunity of Georgia. At the same time, we need to understand that the economic corridor cannot work without cooperation with the neighboring countries and good governance which everyone can trust. This is Georgia’s responsibility.
Looking back at your career years spent in Georgia, what would you remember as the biggest achievement in terms of the relations of the two countries? What were the most memorable projects in the last three years of your work here?
If I may say, we could reap the benefits thanks to my predecessors’ preparation. We could successfully act thanks to my dear embassy colleagues who understood the mission and tried their best to achieve the goal to narrow the gap between the two countries. In the last three years, I have made every effort to introduce Japan to Georgian audiences and encourage Japanese businesses to pay attention to Georgian opportunities. Tokugawa Shogun event in Tbilisi, Japanese Doll Exhibition in Sighnaghi, Sakura (Japanese Cherry) tree planting in the Botanical Garden and some schools, many GrassRoots Human Security projects around Georgia and Business Forums or Round Tables. I have many, many lovely memories with my friends in Georgia. I feel happy if you can remember those events and share your happy moments or success stories with me.
How do you picture the cooperation of two countries in the post-epidemic era and what should be priority fields in the future, given the COVID-19 crisis and the global situation?
Covid-19 pandemic will bring us the 'new normal'. From this perspective, we have to think about new technologies, new institutional frameworks, and methods of adjusting ourselves to the new normal, without compromising the quality and our aspirations. I am sure we can use this challenge as an opportunity for sustainable growth. Japan and Georgia, in tandem, might be able to take initiatives in the development of Universal Health Coverage for the human security of the entire international community or in promoting the multilateral approach to world trade by improving the connectivity beyond the borders. Japan’s support to Georgia has been and will be in an attempt to encourage Georgia to play an important role in the international arena so that we can jointly and proactively contribute to the peace of the world.
Lastly, it will be interesting for our readers, was your favorite thing about living and working in Georgia?
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my friends in Georgia. Their stories always stimulate my curiosity; I have learned a lot of things from them about the mesmerizing beauty of nature, the rich history of Georgia, and the Black Sea. I had unforgettable experiences with my Georgian friends. I was impressed by the helicopter tour to the deep inside of Tusheti. But I try to stay away from the horseback-riding tour there, which my dear friends kindly offered me without knowing my height phobia. I have been fascinated by the history of the Black Sea which is full of mysteries and romances. But the Black Sea is unfortunately too far from the ordinary Japanese sentiments. I could not resist another glass of wine when Tamada kindly offered me even though I was already intoxicated at an enjoyable Supra. My favorite Georgia boils down to the friends I met. Nothing can make the experience more enjoyable than my friends in Georgia. I feel that Georgia is blessed with many colors of friendship.
