Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

Mayor Hau Lung-bin met with the former mayor of Yokohama City Nakada Hiroshi at city hall on September 6. Nakada congratulated Hau for holding a successful opening ceremony on the first day of the 2009 Summer Deaflympics.

The former mayor of the well-known Japanese port city noted that one of his major achievements was the strengthening of friendship between Yokohama and Taipei City. He believes that his successor will continue to maintain the warm relationship.

Last month, Nakada resigned from his post after serving seven-and-a-half years in office.

According to Hau, Nakada has always been supportive of Taiwan. Regardless of whether Nakada plans to run for reelection, Hau stressed that the former mayor will always be a friend of this city. Hau plans to invite Nakada to major events organized by Taipei City Government; he also declared the city’s support for activities initiated by Nakada in Japan.

On the issue of damages wrought by Typhoon Morakot, Nakada remarked that Japan has acquired much know-how and technologies from past experience in dealing with typhoons and earthquakes. If Taiwan requires any assistance in this area, he is willing to serve as a go-between to facilitate interactions.

Hau expressed his gratitude to Nakada for the generous offer. The mayor said exchanges on disaster prevention operation are conducted on an annual basis between Taipei City Government and Tokyo Metropolitan Government.