Strengthening the Relations between Japan and Djibouti
Former Djibouti Ambassador to Japan Ahmed Araita Ali awarded His Majesty’s decoration the Investiture of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star at a grand ceremony on May 10.
Ahmed Araita Ali is a seasoned educator and ambassador who has been the Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti to Japan from 2008 to 2021. He has also served as the Ambassador to several countries including Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. Ambassador Araita Ali has spent about 13 years in Japan and has worked strategically to strengthen the relations between Djibouti and Japan throughout his tenure.
For his contributions to strengthening relations between Japan and Djibouti and contributing to friendship and goodwill former Ambassador of Djibouti to Japan, Ahmed Araita Ali, was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star by His Imperial Majesty Emperor of Japan Naruhito.
The following are the Ambassador’s immediate comments:
Ceremony at the Imperial Palace
The ceremony began with the speech of the Prime Minister Mr. Kishida, who congratulated and thanked us for everything we have done to consolidate the relations between our countries and Japan. Djibouti and Japan’s relationship is illustrated by a number of achievements such as the Ferryboat whose 10th anniversary will be celebrated this month, the presence of the Japanese self-defense base, JICA and so on. The ceremony proceeded to witness the memorable speech of the emperor who also emphasized the importance of the strength of the relationships between Japan and our countries.
The institutionalization of our relations
The coincidence with my decoration is that we have just celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Japanese self-defense base in Djibouti this month.
Moreover, from a personal point of view, the vision of the world has changed. Tokyo is no longer far away, the world is becoming a small village, and everything is at reach. To my children, Japan is their adopted country because they grew up here.
My overall observation is also that Japan is an open country: After 13 years of being here, I decided to write a book about my time in Japan, prefaced by the governor of Tokyo who speaks Arabic, which clearly shows Japanese open-mindedness.
Moreover, the noteworthy and respectable initiatives by Princess Takamado such as “Japan through diplomats’ eyes” contributed significantly to the dialogue between Japan and the rest of the world. The memories that Japan has offered to my family and to me are countless and unforgettable. I am more than honored to be one of the recipients of these symbolic honorific stars.
Current Responsibilities
Among per-existing responsibilities, Mr. Aratia Ali is the appointed member of APRM Panel of Eminents Persons (Representative of East Africa)
For more information on former Ambassador Ahmed Araita Ali visit:
Other embassy-related honorees in the 4th year of Reiwa
Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun
John Victor Roos, former U.S Ambassador to Japan
Contributes to strengthening relations between Japan and the United States and goodwill
The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star
Sayyid Abbas Araghchi, former Ambassador of Iran to Japan, former Deputy Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
Contributes to strengthening relations between Japan and Iran and goodwill.
Yusron Ihza Mahendra, former Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, former President of Indonesia-Japan Parliamentary Union
Contributes to strengthening relations between Japan and Indonesia and promoting exchanges between members of the Diet
Hisham Badr, former Egyptian Ambassador to Japan, former Deputy Minister for Multilateral Relations and International Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Former Permanent Representative of the United Nations in Geneva
Contributes to strengthening relations between Japan and Egypt and goodwill
Kedar Bhakta Mathema, former Nepalese Ambassador to Japan
Contributes to strengthening relations between Japan and Nepal and goodwill
Aliou Ibra Ba, former Ambassador of Mauritania to Japan
Contributes to strengthening relations between Japan and Mauritania and promoting friendship and goodwill
Richard Ramoeletsi, former Ambassador of Lesotho to Japan
Contributes to strengthening relations between Japan and Lesotho and goodwill
Chen Horng-Chi, former chairman of the Association of East Asian Relations, former deputy representative of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan
Contributes to promoting friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and Taiwan
Grant Pogosyan, former Armenian Ambassador to Japan
Contributes to strengthening relations and friendship between Japan and Armenia
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