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Outgoing Japan consul Saito honored
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Posted on Sep 26 2005
The 8th Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council recently adopted a resolution extending its heartfelt gratitude to Japan Consul Takeo Saito for his “exemplary services and contributions to the development and growth of the CNMI.”
Saito left the CNMI for another diplomatic assignment after more than three years in the CNMI. He was assigned as Consul of the Consular Office of Japan in the Northern Marianas in March 2002 and he was due back in Japan on Sept. 23, 2005.
Gov. Juan N. Babauta credited Saito for his numerous contributions in building trade and tourism between the CNMI and Japan, and the passage of Public Law 14-6 allowing Japanese visitors to stay in the islands for 90 straight days instead of 30 days, a step forward in promoting economic relationship with the CNMI and Japan.
“Through proper planning and exceptional execution of security strategy, combined with extensive diplomatic expertise of Mr. Takeo Saito, the visit of Japan’s [imperial couple] Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko to the CNMI was superb,” the resolution said.
Saito has spent over 26 years in overseas assignments: Before being assigned to the Northern Marianas, he was also the Japanese Consul in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from March 2000 to March 2002; Consul, Embassy of Japan in Greece, March 1997 to March 2000; Consul, Embassy of Japan in Iran, 1990 to 1994; Consul, Embassy of Japan in Yemen, 1986 to 1983; and attaché, Embassy of Japan in the United States, 1969 to 1974.
Saito was born on Nov. 21, 1941, is married, and the proud father of three sons and a daughter. He graduated from Chuo University, Faculty of Law, Department of Politics.
“The members of the Municipal Council and the people of the CNMI are extremely proud to join…Babauta and the leaders of the CNMI in saluting [Saito] with a fond sayonara and wish him the best in his new assignment. ‘Mr. Takeo Saito, you are always welcome to reside in the CNMI,’” part of the resolution said.
The resolution was certified by municipal council chair Gregorio V. Deleon Guerrero and vice chair David A. Indalecio and was attested by secretary Antonia M. Tudela. (PR)
