In this opening speech, Professor Katsuya Hirose, Dean, Faculty of Law welcomed the Ireland ambassador. In delivering his keynote speech, Ambassador John Neary provided first basic information on historical developments particularly those that took place after independence in 1922. Emphasizing its foreign policy of neutrality, he explained the Irish foreign policy centering the United Nations and participated in UN peacekeeping operations. Ireland had a strong commitment to a rules-based international order. In spite of its challenging economic situation at home, Ireland continues to spend about 0.52 percent of its gross domestic product for ODA activities with a particular focus on newly independent countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The Irish ambassador also explained the relationship between Ireland and Great Britain and mentioned the successful outcome of diplomatic negotiations between the two countries concerning Northern Ireland. In addition, he mentioned Ireland’s economic, social and cultural ties with Japan. Following the Ambassador’s presentation, Professor Mikiko Eto, Head of Department of Political Science, commented Ireland’s high status in human development index (HDI), democracy ranking and freedom index. Finally, Hosei University students asked questions to Ambassador concerning the neutrality policy, causes of conflict in Northern Ireland, ODA and other issues.
(Yuko Honda)