Governor visits Paris and London (Signs agreement between Tokyo and Paris)

Governor Masuzoe began an official visit to Paris and London on Tuesday, October 27. The visit will last through Monday, November 2.

While in Paris on Wednesday, October 28, the governor visited the Petit Palais City of Paris Fine Arts Museum, toured an area on the left bank of the Seine River where the Berges project is being implemented to see how waterfront areas are being used, and inspected the city’s public bike sharing system.

Following the site visits, the governor met with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. The governor and mayor signed an agreement to promote practical exchange and cooperation in the areas of sports, the environment, culture, urban planning, and tourism.

At a joint press conference held after the signing, the governor said, “During our discussion, I explained the key factors that led to Tokyo’s successful regulation of diesel vehicles, as well as upgrades to our public transportation system. I hope that we can advance cooperation in areas such as environmental problems.”

The governor also attended a Japan Week cultural event held at the Chateau de La Celle Saint-Cloud, the French foreign ministry’s guest house, located just outside of Paris. Guided by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, Laurent Fabius, the governor toured the property, including the recently completed Japanese gardens.