MESSAGE FROM RIO DE JANEIRO TO THE PEOPLE OF KOBE

Last update
03/19/2005

In two months time, the people of Kobe will be observing the first anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and again all Kobe friends will be sharing feelings.

Now , thanks to the valour and the bravery of the people of Kobe, there is much to commemorate in spite of the sad memories of that awful natural disaster. Indeed, Kobe has lready shown its capacity of recovery in its firm wish to reconstruct what has been destroyed. This is ample reason to be proud of and Rio de Janeiro takes much pleasure in noting the recovery of its sister-city and the signs of vitality of its people.

So Rio de Janeiro is also proud that its special ties with Kobe have been active since the moment of hardship so well faced by the people of Kobe and of the rest of Japan. And the fact that our two countries are commemorating this year the first 100th anniversary of their diplomatic relations has also been hightened in various ways, including the gracious visit of Princess Sayako to Brazil and, particularly, Rio de Janeiro.

Renewd solidarity and best wishes,

CESAR MAIA

Mayor of the City of Rio de Janeiro

Message from RIO DE JANEIRO