“Your contribution to the development of overall relations between Serbia and Japan is an example of inexhaustible ideas and types of cooperation which not only bring the countries and people closer together, but also open the processes to create the conditions for the development of a true friendship,” said the National Assembly Speaker. “The spheres of cooperation where you have selflessly invested considerable effort and energy through years of actively promoting Serbia’s political, economic and cultural interests, as well as by knowing and respecting Serbian tradition, culture and language, demonstrate the diverse possibilities for the development of comprehensive and close relations between our two countries and peoples”, said Djukic Dejanovic when presenting Yoneda and Suzuki with the medals.

Kenzo Yoneda had initiated and realised the establishment of the Serbia-Japan Parliamentary League of Friendship in both the upper and lower house of Parliament. He is also merited with creating the Serbia-Japan Friendship Society comprising respected people from all spheres of Japan’s public life. He is a long-standing active promoter of Serbia’s political, economic and cultural interests.

Michitaki Suzuki is a professor at the Okayama University, deserving for the development of the Serbian language studies and education of many students from the Belgrade and Novi Sad universities. Suzuki is a connoisseur and admirer of Serbian tradition and culture, and has helped the restoration of Serbian churches and monasteries.