1956年にアイゼンハワー大統領が提案し、姉妹都市プログラムが始まりました。日米関係は、姉妹都市同士の友好や交流によって強固なものになりました。国と国の良好な関係は、人と人によって作られています。

草の根外交の大切さを改めて感じました。

I attended a reception held at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence to commemorate the establishment of the JUSSCA (Japan-U.S. Sister Cities Association).

The sister city program was proposed by President Eisenhower in 1956. The Japan-U.S. relationship has been strengthened by the friendship and exchange between the sister cities. Good relations between countries are created by people to people.

I was reminded of the importance of grassroots diplomacy.