(May 11, 2016) Mutual admiration and respect and common economic and social challenges. This year the 150th anniversary of bilateral relations between Italy and Japan sealed with the treaty of friendship and commerce (25 August 1866). A path of common development celebrated with an exhibition at the Foreign Ministry, inaugurated as part of the events planned for the new edition of Open Doors at the MFA. “Despite the geographical distance between our two countries, the diplomatic relations date back to the mid-1500s and in 1866, with the Treaty, relations have intensified and developed” said Massimo Gaiani, Director General for Globalisation and Global Issues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Gaiani stressed the shared interests on the global stage” and the common paths that “Italy and Japan are facing in this historic phase”. A “brotherhood” also evidenced by the “relay race” in the presidency of the G7 (this year guided by Japan and next year by Italy) and the many cultural and celebratory events, starting this evening when the Coliseum will light up “to transmit- concluded Gaiani- a message of hope”. The exhibition of documents and literature (“an extraordinary work of historical research in the archives” defined by Umberto Vattani, president of the Italy Japan Foundation and former Secretary General of the Farnesina) is juxtaposed with a photographic exhibition “Meian, Japanese chiaroscuro” by the artist Maria Bonanotte and reflects the fact that the Italian-Japanese relationas are not only at the diplomatic level, but also at the cultural and artistic level. In addition: Vattani has recalled in this regard that on October 17th the Italy Japan Foundation will organise a seminar on the issue of sustainability, “important for both countries”.
