May 3, 2011
The Fund Forum signed Memorandums of Understanding with two major Japanese organizations: Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum Foundation and the International Friendship Exchange Council. Prior to the signing ceremony, representatives of several major Japanese public organizations expressed thanks to the Fund Forum and the Chairperson of the Fund Forum Board of Trustees, Gulnara Karimova, for providing support to Japan’s Fukushima Prefecture, which was affected by a natural disaster in March this year.
The two agreements are aimed at helping to further develop and enhance the friendship ties and cooperation between the two nations in culture, art, education and science. Under the Memorandums, the organizations will hold joint exhibitions, conferences and training sessions and exchange specialists and students.
Michiko Hirayama, the Director of Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum Foundation:
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Fund Forum and Ms. Gulnara Karimova on behalf of the Japanese people for providing moral and financial support. We are pleased to know that in times of ordeal Uzbekistan lent a helping hand to our country. We are also hopeful that after signing the Memorandum close cooperation between our organizations will develop.”
Ken Matsuzawa, the President of the International Friendship Exchange Council:
“Uzbekistan holds a special place in the Central Asian region, and the purpose of our visit is to set up cooperation in education, economy, culture, science and healthcare. We are aware that the Fund Forum has partnership ties with a number of major international organizations. And we view the establishment of cooperation with the Fund Forum as a serious step toward a successful partnership. Also, many thanks to the Fund Forum for providing financial aid for those affected by the March calamity in Japan.”
Note:
In April 2011, the Fund Forum provided financial aid through the Japanese Red Cross Society and “Fukushima Prefecture - Uzbekistan” Cultural and Economic Exchange Association in an emergency relief effort in the wake of the natural disaster that claimed thousands of Japanese lives in March.
Ikuo Hirayama (1930-2009) was a prominent Japanese painter, scientist, professor and public figure. He also served as President of Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. In 2004, Hirayama set up Silk Road Museum Foundation in Hokuto (Yamanashi Prefecture), with his wife currently serving as its director. He also funded the Ikuo Hirayama Silk Road Fellowship Program, which awards fellowships to young Silk Road researchers throughout the world.
The Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum is a unique institution which combines one of the world`s best collections of rare Silk Road artifacts, painstakingly acquired by Ikuo Hirayama and his wife Michiko over many years. The Hirayamas` interest in Silk Road artifacts began in 1968, when they traveled the Silk Road in search of inspiration for their artwork. Over nearly four decades since that first journey, the couple amassed a Silk Road Collection with pieces from 37 countries, from Rome to Japan. In 2002, Ikuo Hirayama Caravanserai of Culture was set up in Tashkent and was later granted the status of “International Caravanserai of Culture”.
The International Friendship Exchange Council (FEC) was established in 1981 as a non-profit international exchange organization to deepen international understanding and promote multilateral exchange with other countries. The FEC carries out its activities on the basis of private initiatives and upon advice from the Japanese Government as well as foreign missions in Japan. The FEC members include prominent politicians, public figures, culture and art professionals, scientists and businessmen. The Council performs a unique complementary role by reflecting public opinion in Japan`s diplomacy.
Related links
Memorandum of Cooperation signed with Samuel Eto`o Foundation