TIRANA, July 11 /ATA/ On the 10th of July 2025, H.E. Ms. KATO Kikuko, Ambassador of Japan to Albania presented “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star” to H.E. Mr. Gjergj Teneqexhiu, former Albanian Ambassador to Japan at a ceremony held at Ambassador’s residence.
The decoration was awarded by the Japanese Government in recognition of Mr. Teneqexhiu’s distinguished contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between Japan and Albania.
At the ceremony, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Mr. Endrit Yzeiraj, President of the Albania-Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. Avni Ponari, and other distinguished guests congratulated Mr. Teneqexhiu.
Ambassador Kato in her address congratulated Mr. Teneqexhiu for the Decoration and expressed her utmost appreciation to his contribution as Ambassador to Japan in strengthening Albanian-Japanese relations through realizing high-level personal exchanges, enhancing economic relations, and promoting mutual understanding in many aspects.
During his seven-year tenure in Japan, Mr. Teneqexhiu successfully coordinated several high-level visits from Albania to Japan, including the visit of the Prime Minister of Albania in 2023. Following the Prime Minister’s visit, he also facilitated visits by delegations from the Albania-Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Albanian-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Deputy Minister Yzeiraj praised Mr. Teneqexhiu’s role in strengthening relations between the two countries. Mr. Ponari also commended his efforts, particularly for enhancing the presence and image of Albania in Japan.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Teneqexhiu expressed his profound gratitude for this special honor, and his heartfelt appreciation to H.M. the Emperor of Japan. He dedicated this decoration to all the colleagues, friends and his family relatives who stood by him and supported him over the years.
Mr. Teneqexhiu is the fourth Albanian citizen (since the establishment of the Japanese Embassy in Albania in 2017) conferred by the Emperor of Japan, in recognition of contributions towards strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between Japan and Albania.
