Consul General Sunaga’s visit to Governor Bentley at the State of Alabama Capitol; Introduction of new Honorary Consul of Japan in Birmingham

    On July 21st,　Consul General (CG) Kazuo Sunaga visited Governor Robert Bentley at the Capitol in Montgomery, Alabama to make an official introduction of new Honorary Consul (HC) of Japan in Birmingham, Mr. Mark Jackson. CG Sunaga requested Governor Bentley to continue his support to HC Jackson with his activities to support Japanese residents as well as Japanese business community in Alabama, just as he did to former Honorary Consul General Elmer Harris. Governor Bentley expressed his congratulations and welcome to HC Jackson’s appointment.

    During the meeting, CG Sunaga and Governor Bentley also discussed a range of topics focusing on the economic ties between Japan and the State of Alabama including the Governor and his trade mission’s visit to Japan last November, recent investments by Japanese corporations to Alabama, and the upcoming 37th Japan U.S. Southeast Joint Conference in Tokyo in September, confirming the importance of strengthening the economic partnership.

    The meeting was also attended by Secretary Greg Canfield, Alabama Commerce Department, Mr. Seth Hammet, Chief of Staff, Governor’s Office, Mr. Elmer Harris, Honorary Consul General Emeritus of Japan, and HC Mark Jackson.　CG Sunaga, HCG Emeritus Harris and HC Jackson also paid a courtesy visit to Lt. Governor Kay Ivey and Ms. Twinkle Cavanaugh, President of Alabama Public Services Commission while in Montgomery.

Governor Bentley and CG Sunaga in the Governor’s office (Photo credit: Office of the Governor of Alabama)

From left: CG Sunaga, HC Mark Jackson, Governor Bentley, HCG Emeritus Elmer Harris, Secretary Greg Canfield (Photo credit: Office of the Governor of Alabama)