Date of publication: Aug 27, 2018
Gonzalo de Benito
- Ambassador
- Embassy of Spain http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/Tokio
Date of birth: Nov. 15, 1951
Hometown: Madrid
Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 3 (as of August 2018)
Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?
My first encounter with Japan was as secretary of
state for foreign affairs, accompanying then-Prime
Minister Mariano Rajoy on his visit to Japan in
October 2013.
On that occasion, both Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Rajoy adopted the declaration of the “Association for Peace, Growth and Innovation,” that continues to be the framework of our cooperation. Since then my respect and admiration for Japan and the Japanese people has only grown.
On that occasion, both Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Rajoy adopted the declaration of the “Association for Peace, Growth and Innovation,” that continues to be the framework of our cooperation. Since then my respect and admiration for Japan and the Japanese people has only grown.
Q2: Please state your motto in life and why you have chosen it.
“Do the best you can every day.” I believe
improvement comes from good principles and positive
targets combined with continuous effort. I think one
should try to do their best in their personal and
professional life on a daily basis.
Q3 : Over your career, what achievement are you the proudest of?
Definitely having succeeded in winning a seat for
Spain as a non-permanent member of the United
Nations Security Council in a very, very difficult
election at the General Assembly on Oct. 16,
2014. This was the final day of a long and strenuous
campaign for which I was largely responsible, and we
fulfilled our objective.
Q4 : What are your goals during your time in Japan, your current position or in life?
My goal in Japan is to enhance our relations to the
highest level. In the last three years, important milestones have been achieved — the state visit of the King and Queen of Spain, a direct Tokyo-Madrid flight via Iberia and the celebration of the 150th anniversary of diplomatic
relations, among others.
We will continue working closely with Japan’s government and society to make Spain even more known and appreciated.
We will continue working closely with Japan’s government and society to make Spain even more known and appreciated.
Q5 : What wisdom, advice or tips can you give to people living and working in Japan?
Last updated: Aug 27, 2018