Closing Remarks of Ambassador Takada

Yesterday, at the final conclusion of the VerityCon23 Internatonal Conference, Mr Daisuke Fujimura, Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan to Tirana, read a heartfelt message on behalf of Ambassador Takada.

Reflecting on this 3-day long Conference, the message read:


….

As we conclude the “VerityCon23 – Navigating he Disinformation Era” conference, first and foresmost, I would like to express my appreciation to the speakers and panelists for their valuable contribution to our discussion on disinformation and how it is undermining the very fabric of our societies. My deepest gratitude goes to all of you who joined us in Tirana and helped to make it such a successful event.

I hope you had fruitful discussions and enjoyed our time here. I was very happy that, a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Ishii, joined us in these discussions.

A special thanks goes to Ambassador Murra and the staff of the Western Balkans Fund for putting all this together. This is our fifth project together and I want to thank you for all the support you have given us over the past 5 years. I believe that our cooperation will continue for a long time in the future.

On a final note, I also hope you will leave Tirana, a little more thoughtful, more committed and determined to combat the propagation of fabricated news and disinformation in your line of work. As experts, leaders and advocates, you have a unique position to bring positive change in your respective countries and in the entire region. Let us all go away from here with the conviction that the best way to combat this common challenge is to work together.

Safe travel as you depart Tirana