In his speech, Ambassador Oka reviewed his work journey in Egypt over the three years he has spent since assuming his duties as Ambassador of Japan to Egypt. He also expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the strong feelings and friendly relations with the Egyptian people and the progress achieved by Japan-Egypt ties in various fields, concluding his speech by saying, "Egypt will always be in our hearts."

"Japan will continue to work and strive with Egypt as a reliable and trustworthy strategic partner in the future as well," Hiroshi added.

Japanese Ambassador Oka Hiroshi and his wife with former Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait (photo credit of Japan Embassy)

The reception was attended by 360 people from the Egyptian government, Japanese companies, international organizations and bodies, members of the diplomatic corps, and others, including internationally-renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass, former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled El-Enany, former Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait, former Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El-Molla, and former Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Adel El-Beltagy.

The reception party was enlivened by a beautiful musical performance that gathered  Japanese opera singer Tomosu Jimasashi, flautist Safaa El-Guindy, and harpist Amira Hamed from Egypt.