Fletcher meets emperor Akihito and empress Michiko of Japan

July 08, 2009

Ottawa  (July 8, 2009) – The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia, had the pleasure of meeting Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan yesterday.

“It was an honour to meet the Imperial Majesties yesterday,” said Fletcher. “I had the opportunity to have a brief conversation with Emperor Akihito and I found him to be quite charming.”

The Emperor and Empress of Japan are currently visiting Canada until July 14th. This visit is Emperor Akihito’s first trip to Canada since 1953 and marks the 80th anniversary of the start of formal diplomatic relations between Canada and Japan.

Japan is a close ally to Canada and is one of its largest trading partners. Japan is a significant partner for Canadian exporters, with Canadian exports totalling $11 billion in 2008.  Exports of services to Japan in 2008 totalled $1.4 billion. Japan also has substantial investments within Canada whose companies employ tens of thousands of Canadians.

“Canada and Japan share a close partnership,” said Fletcher. “I look forward to a long friendship and economic relationship with Japan reaching into the future.”