Foreign Minister’s Commendation to the Cowra-Seikei High Schools Student Exchange Committee
2016/9/29
On 17th September, Minister Takashi Katae presented the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation to Mr Bob Griffiths, Chairman of Cowra-Seikei High Schools Student Exchange Committee in honour of the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation between Australia and Japan.
During his speech, Minister Katae stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognises the Committee’s contribution to the development of friendship between Japan and Australia by running the Cowra-Seikei High Schools Student Exchange Program. Aimed at deepening international understanding since it started in 1970, this program could be the longest international study exchange program between Japan and Australia. He also said this is a special Commendation awarded in honour of the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation between Australia and Japan and it is also the 40 year anniversary and the 20th trip for Choir Farmer since their first performance in Cowra. Minister Katae continued to state that this is not a coincidence but the result of the effort put into deepening the friendship enjoyed by both Japanese and Australian citizens.
Minister Katae also expressed that it was his great pleasure to be there at this memorable moment for Japan and Australia to present the Commendation on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
(*Choir Farmer is a male choir formed by the Tokyo University of Agriculture alumni. The Choir tours Australia and New Zealand every second years. The performance in Cowra was organised by the Student Exchange Committee. )
During his speech, Minister Katae stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognises the Committee’s contribution to the development of friendship between Japan and Australia by running the Cowra-Seikei High Schools Student Exchange Program. Aimed at deepening international understanding since it started in 1970, this program could be the longest international study exchange program between Japan and Australia. He also said this is a special Commendation awarded in honour of the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation between Australia and Japan and it is also the 40 year anniversary and the 20th trip for Choir Farmer since their first performance in Cowra. Minister Katae continued to state that this is not a coincidence but the result of the effort put into deepening the friendship enjoyed by both Japanese and Australian citizens.
Minister Katae also expressed that it was his great pleasure to be there at this memorable moment for Japan and Australia to present the Commendation on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
(*Choir Farmer is a male choir formed by the Tokyo University of Agriculture alumni. The Choir tours Australia and New Zealand every second years. The performance in Cowra was organised by the Student Exchange Committee. )
 Minister Katae presenting the award to Chairman Mr Bob Griffiths |
 Mayor of Cowra Mr West and committee members |
 Performance by Choir Farmer |