The former Australian prime minister was awarded the highest honor bestowed on foreigners by the Japanese government for his contributions to promoting friendly and bilateral relationships with Japan and Australia.
Tony Abbott has been honored by the Japanese government with an important award for his work in improving friendly and bilateral relationships with Australia.
Mr. Abbott was awarded with Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, which is the most prestigious Japanese distinction given to foreigners.
The honor is bestowed on those who’ve achieved outstanding accomplishments on the international stage, the promotion of Japanese culture, progress in their field, or advancements in welfare or protection of the environment.
The Japanese Ambassador to Australia, Yamagami Shingo, revealed the award in an online post on Friday morning to recognize his work promoting relations between the two countries.
🇯🇵 Foreign Affairs Minister HAYASHI’s message: “Please accept my sincerest congratulations on the conferment of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, in recognition of your outstanding contribution, and my best wishes for your continuous good health and happiness.” pic.twitter.com/Nl6foPA9V6
— Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo (@YamagamiShingo) April 28, 2022
When he received the award, Mr. Abbott stated that he was looking forward to continuing his efforts to strengthen the partnership.
Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi commended the former prime minister, saying: “Please accept my sincerest felicitations on the bestowal of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun to acknowledge your extraordinary contribution to Japan, and I send you my best wishes for you to continue your well-being and happiness.”
Mr. Abbot is among the prestigious awardees, including the former premier and ministers Julia Gillard, Bob Hawke, John Howard, Robert Menzies, Malcolm Fraser, John McEwen, Edmund Barton, and Gough Whitlam.
The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun has been awarded to many foreign diplomats and politicians like the former United States vice president Richard Cheney, US politician Nancy Pelosi and former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark.
The decision to award the order is handled through the Decoration Bureau of the Cabinet Office, headed by Japan’s Prime Minister. Japan may be granted to six categories, including the Grand Cordon, the highest honor.
The badge’s style is mostly red and white, with sunlight rays emanating from the rising sun. It is a silver star with eight points, each with three silver rays alternating in the form of a ring. The badge is displayed across the chest on the left.
Source: Skynews.au
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