THE government of Japan has conferred the Order of the Rising Sun Gold and Silver Star to former Ambassador of Tanzania to Japan, Salome Thaddaus Sijaona, in recognition of her contribution to promoting diplomacy between the two countries.
It was established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji and created on 10 April 1875 as the first national decoration of Japan. The order is awarded to persons who have made distinguished achievements in their field.
Speaking during an award-giving ceremony held on Wednesday night, Ambassador of Japan to Tanzania Yasushi Misawa said the awardee is highly recognised for her outstanding role in promoting her country and creating mutual understanding between the two nations.
“Amb Sijaona served the role in Japan for five years between 2010 and 2015 where she managed to promote her country as she coordinated several activities and events for mutual benefit,” he explained.
Attending the event, Ms Anna Makinda, who once succeeded Mr Pius Msekwa at the helm of the National Assembly, a longtime friend of Amb Sijaona said the award should motivate all Tanzanian diplomats to fulfill their responsibilities accordingly.
“We have been friends since childhood, we have a lot of memories together, I am proud of what she became, she is a hardworking woman and an example to our communities,” she said.
However, Ms Makinda said Amb Sijaona was always committed to respectfully fulfilling her duties.
“During her time in Japan, Amb Sijaona was always committed to fulfilling her work in a respected way, she used to find solutions to difficulties as she never gives up,” she noted.
Speaking, Amb Sijaona thanked the government of Japan for recognising her role in Japan; she said she was very grateful to the government and the people of Japan, as it was indeed an unexpected honour and privilege to be decorated with such a highly prestigious award.
“I am grateful to everyone who has been part of my journey in the public service. This award, and indeed today, is a culmination of over 40 years of public service, 40 years of being groomed and sculpted by my mentors and colleagues,” she explained.
However, Amb Sijaona stipulates that the people of Japan and Tanzania share a story of over 60 years of relationship, and she is honoured to be a part of this relationship and steer economic and cultural collaborations during her tenure as Ambassador from 2010-2015.
During Amb Sijaona’s time in Japan, she managed to steer collaboration in areas of economic and cultural diplomacy.
As on the part of Economic diplomacy her tenure witnessed successful implementation of projects in Agriculture, Transportation, Health Sector System Strengthening, Power and Energy.
