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Mayor Ono of Koshiji town visits Saipan
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Posted on Feb 02 2005
Mayor Tsutomu Ono of the town of Koshiji in the Niigata Prefecture, Japan, paid a courtesy call on Vicky Benavente, managing director of the Marianas Visitors Authority on Jan. 26, 2005—a first since the devastating earthquake that hit their region in October last year.
Last month, Mr. Kumakura, deputy mayor of Koshiji Town, along with 163 students, were able to participate in the annual exchange program with Mt. Carmel High School. The students met on Dec. 14, 2004, on Saipan, and conducted activities involving arts, music, and language. Ono was not able to make it to that trip due to emergency recovery meetings he had to attend.
“Although it was a difficult time for our town, I am glad that I sent the students, as I received many positive comments from both the students and their parents. Your warm hospitality made a good impression among all participants, especially those who visited for the first time,” Ono said.
For her part, Benavente said: “We hope to build a stronger relationship between the CNMI students and the students from Koshiji town. And we will continue to support this program because it promotes friendship and hospitality between our countries.”
Ono was recently honored as an honorary CNMI Tourism Ambassador for his efforts in promoting friendship and goodwill between the people of Koshiji town and the CNMI.
