The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Canada Minister of Science Pays Courtesy Visit to Minister Shimajiri

Exchanging insights and opinions (Minister Duncan, far left)

Commemorative Photograph

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On May 18, 2016, Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, Ms. Aiko Shimajiri, received a courtesy vision from Dr. Kirsty Duncan, Canadian Minister of Science. The minister was visiting Japan to take part in the G7 Science and Technology Ministers' Meeting in Tsukuba, Ibaraki.

Minister Shimajiri expressed her appreciation for the minister's visit to Japan and attendance at the Ministers' Meeting. She also expressed her appreciation of the minister's cooperation in the issuance of the Tsukuba Communiqué. Minister Duncan expressed how impressed she was with the warm reception by both the Japanese government and the local governments of Ibaraki Prefecture and Tsukuba City. She appreciated the warm Japanese hospitality and the enthusiasm demonstrated for science and technology. The minister also expressed her interest in the progress of initiatives for women's activity in Japan.

Minister Shimajiri stated that science and technology innovation will play an important role in the activity of women. The ministers agreed that the Ministers' Meeting should serve as a basis for future cooperation towards the progress of women's STI activity by sharing real-world examples, insights, and opinions between the two nations.