On June 18, 1974, the twin city agreement between Rīga and Kobe was signed. This week, several dozen people - Kobe councilors, entrepreneurs, and students - have come to Rīga to celebrate half a century of friendship.
"50 years... When you say it, it's gone fast, but it's actually a very long time. So many good things have happened. But we have also experienced difficulties. I am happy that people from both cities have helped each other," said Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan Takase Yasushi.
The Japanese ambassador recalled the Kobe earthquake several years ago: "After the earthquake, the Riga Zoo presented Kobe with an elephant. And it brought joy to the children of Kobe who suffered during the earthquake. The children were delighted!"
Riga, on the other hand, has a friendship clock. A park in Āgenskalns has also been renamed after Kobe.
In the coming spring, a new Sakura tree, planted by the two cities' representatives on Monday, June 3, will also be blooming in Uzvaras Park.
