Pavel in Japan: Prague Castle-Himeji Castle cooperation agreement, visit to Hiroshima

Prague Castle signed a memorandum of cooperation with Japan’s Himeji Castle on Wednesday, with President Petr Pavel in attendance. “The Czech Republic and Japan share a deep respect for cultural heritage and for values that transcend the borders of states and continents,” the president said on the occasion of the signing. He expressed his belief that cooperation and the exchange of experience would contribute to deeper mutual understanding and inspiration. The memorandum was signed on behalf of Prague Castle by Chancellor Milan Vašina and on behalf of Japan by Himeji Mayor Hideyasu Kiyomoto.

In Hiroshima, Pavel visited the Atomic Bomb Dome, a building designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel, which is part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. He paid tribute there to the victims of the atomic-bomb explosion. "I have to say that it really makes a very oppressive impression on me," the president told Czech journalists present.