Prof. Rei Shiratori visited the Republic of Malta from
December 7 to December 14 in 1997 as president of Japan-Malta Friendship Association with
its Friendship Mission of 69 members. He met Dr. Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, president of Malta,
and Dr. Alfred Sant, prime minister in this 'island of world heritage.'
Although the Republic of Malta is a small country with its population
of 370,000, it played a great role in drafting sea-bed treaties and in attaining detente.
It is also famous for its pre-historic temples (B.C. 4100 - 5000) and fortress capital
Valletta.
Malta has paid, even during World War II, respects to the tombs of
Japanese soldiers who died in Meditarenian Sea during World War I. Late Showa Emperor
visited Malta when he was crown prince. The pine tree which was planted by Showa Emperor
is still alive in San Anton Garden in Valletta.