St. Kitts and Nevis' Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas (l) presents token of appreciation to outgoing Japanese Ambassador to St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Shigenobu Kato during farewell visit Tuesday morning.

"I wish to thank you for your sterling service to the Government and People of St. Kitts and Nevis. Your tenure has been resulted in the tremendous cementing of the relationship between our two countries," Prime Minister Douglas told the Japanese diplomat, when he paid a courtesy call.

Dr. Douglas thanked Ambassador Kato for the technical, financial and diplomatic support  St. Kitts and Nevis received from Japan during his tenure.

"We have seen tremendous support for the infrastructural development of St.

Kitts and Nevis," the Prime Minister told the Trinidad-based Japanese official. Japan, he added has been contributing to the diversification of the local economy with assistance in the development of the fishing industry as the Federation transits from sugar agriculture.

Ambassador Kato, who will take up a new appointment in Jordan, expressed thanks and appreciation to Prime Minister Douglas, his Cabinet and People of St. Kitts and Nevis for the support given to Japan in local, regional and international fora.

Japan he said will continue to assist in the development of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Caribbean and wished the Federation success in hosting the International Whaling Commission Conference later this month.

At the international level, Ambassador Kato said Japan will continue its efforts of reform in the United Nations "as we continue to explore ways to ensure World peace and stability."

He thanked Prime Minister Douglas for paying an Official Visit to Japan last year and wished him good health and personal happiness.

Ambassador Kato's last official business as Ambassador to St. Kitts and Nevis is the ground breaking ceremony Tuesday afternoon for the construction of the Japanese financed US$5.6 million Old Road Fisheries Terminal.