CEU Center for EU Enlargement Studies (CENS), the Embassy of Japan in Hungary, the Rectorate, and CEU Department of International Relations and European Studies (IRES) hosted a public lecture on 15 May 2013 entitled “Foreign Policy of Japan: Characteristics and Current Challenges - with some reference to its peace building efforts”. The lecture was delivered by H.E. Mr Tadamichi Yamamoto, Japanese Ambassador to Hungary, to a distinguished group of diplomats, ambassadors, students and university professors.

Ambassador Yamamoto centered his presentation around several key issues. First he spoke about three basic concepts underlying the foreign policy of Japan, where he stressed the importance of resolution of conflicts and issues through peaceful means; promotion of democracy, freedom, rule of law, and respect for human rights; and tackling of common tasks for the mankind. Secondly, Ambassador Yamamoto took the regional approach, focusing on the importance of stability and prosperity in Asia; development of Africa to which Japan has been committed to in recent years; and Japanese policy towards Europe. Thirdly, His Excellency referred to the current challenges of Japan, among which revitalization of the Japanese economy, ensuring Japan’s security; strengthening and making stable the international (global) system and making use of Japan’s comparative advantage in technology and experience in tackling global issues, are the most important ones. In conclusion, Ambassador Yamamoto outlined the need to strengthening and maintaining stability of the Japan-US Alliance, as well as maintaining stability in the Asia Pacific Region (dealing with the nuclear development of North Korea, maintenance of positive relations with growing China, improvement of relations with Russia with a view to the conclusion of the Peace Treaty).

The speech was followed by a lively question and answer session touching upon a variety of issues. The lecture was chaired by Péter Balázs, Director of CENS and former Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs.