Greetings from Ambassador Ono
2026/2/17
I am honoured to assume my post as Ambassador of Japan to Malta.
Last year, in 2025, Japan and Malta marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, a milestone that reflects the deepening friendship and cooperation between our two countries across a wide range of fields.
On July 17 of that year, during the Malta National Day at the Kansai-Osaka Expo, The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta, Ian Borg, visited Japan. On this occasion, the Note Verbales for the working holiday arrangement were exchanged. I wholeheartedly look forward to the introduction of the programme serving as a catalyst to further promote people-to-people exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and Malta.
At the Malta Pavilion, Japanese armour presented to Malta by the Bunkyu Mission to Europe was displayed side-by-side with Maltese armour. This exhibition deeply reminded us of the long-standing historic friendship between our countries, which predates the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1965. The Japanese armour has been returned to Malta and will be exhibited at the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta. I very much look forward to the opportunity to view it in person.
Japan and Malta share fundamental values rooted in longstanding traditions, and the preservation of the international order based on the rule of law is our common interest. We have built close cooperation not only at the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) but also on various international fora. As island nations, both countries strongly recognise the importance of peace and security in maritime domains. Additionally, Japan is committed to strengthening cooperation with the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ), which is headquartered in Malta.
Furthermore, I recognise that ensuring the safety and security of Japanese nationals residing in Malta as well as short-term visitors, and supporting the smooth activities of Japanese companies and all those involved are our most important mission alongside diplomatic activities. I will work closely with the Maltese government and related organisations to provide timely and detailed information and to respond swiftly and effectively to any issues.
With your kind support and cooperation, I would like to fulfil my duties as Ambassador.
23 January 2026
ONO Hikariko
Last year, in 2025, Japan and Malta marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, a milestone that reflects the deepening friendship and cooperation between our two countries across a wide range of fields.
On July 17 of that year, during the Malta National Day at the Kansai-Osaka Expo, The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta, Ian Borg, visited Japan. On this occasion, the Note Verbales for the working holiday arrangement were exchanged. I wholeheartedly look forward to the introduction of the programme serving as a catalyst to further promote people-to-people exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and Malta.
At the Malta Pavilion, Japanese armour presented to Malta by the Bunkyu Mission to Europe was displayed side-by-side with Maltese armour. This exhibition deeply reminded us of the long-standing historic friendship between our countries, which predates the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1965. The Japanese armour has been returned to Malta and will be exhibited at the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta. I very much look forward to the opportunity to view it in person.
Japan and Malta share fundamental values rooted in longstanding traditions, and the preservation of the international order based on the rule of law is our common interest. We have built close cooperation not only at the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) but also on various international fora. As island nations, both countries strongly recognise the importance of peace and security in maritime domains. Additionally, Japan is committed to strengthening cooperation with the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ), which is headquartered in Malta.
Furthermore, I recognise that ensuring the safety and security of Japanese nationals residing in Malta as well as short-term visitors, and supporting the smooth activities of Japanese companies and all those involved are our most important mission alongside diplomatic activities. I will work closely with the Maltese government and related organisations to provide timely and detailed information and to respond swiftly and effectively to any issues.
With your kind support and cooperation, I would like to fulfil my duties as Ambassador.
23 January 2026
ONO Hikariko