Embassy of Spain hosts celebrations for 50 years of international cultural exchange programs by Meridian International

Published October 4, 2010

His Excellency Ambassador Dezcallar of Spain and Mrs. Dezcallar with Haru Inouye

Shinnyo-en Foundation Haru Inouye attended the 42^nd Meridian Ball at the Meridian International Center in celebration of 50 years of dedication to public diplomacy and global engagement.  The Foundation has partnered with Meridian during the National Conference on Volunteering and Service and hopes to develop this partnership, where peaceful international relations are a key component.

Meridian has been a leading public diplomacy and international exchange institution since 1960. Tens of thousands of international leaders have come through their doors to participate in leadership programs, and Meridian has provided Americans with a platform to listen, engage and act on global perspectives.

Mrs. Dezcallar, originally from Portugal, enjoyed an exchange of cultural conversation with Haru Inouye who conveyed the close cultural ties that Japan and Portugal have enjoyed for over 500 years, with Portugal being the first Europeans to arrive in Japan, initiating an active period of commercial and cultural exchange between Japan and the West.