Diplomacy is like Bonsai -- both require patience: EU ambassador

Diplomacy is like Bonsai -- both require patience: EU ambassador

Viorel Isticioaia-Budura, the new European Union ambassador to Japan, speaks during an interview with Kyodo News on Feb. 9, 2015, in Tokyo. While expressing hope that the government of Shinzo Abe will keep playing an active role in the international arena, the ambassador said new policies should be adopted "with full transparency and in good communication with neighbors." (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

EU envoy says good Japan-China-S. Korea ties crucial for East Asia

EU envoy says good Japan-China-S. Korea ties crucial for East Asia

Viorel Isticioaia-Budura, the European Union's ambassador to Japan, speaks during a press conference at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Feb. 25, 2015. He said that good trilateral ties among Japan, China and South Korea are indispensable for peace and stability in the East Asian region. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

EU's diplomatic channels with N. Korea may benefit Japan: envoy

EU's diplomatic channels with N. Korea may benefit Japan: envoy

Viorel Isticioaia-Budura, the European Union's ambassador to Japan, gives an interview to Kyodo News on Oct. 18, 2017, in Tokyo. Isticioaia-Budura said the European Union's diplomatic channels with North Korea may benefit Japan as they could help avoid a military conflict. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

EU's diplomatic channels with N. Korea may benefit Japan: envoy

EU's diplomatic channels with N. Korea may benefit Japan: envoy

Viorel Isticioaia-Budura, the European Union's ambassador to Japan, gives an interview to Kyodo News on Oct. 18, 2017, in Tokyo. Isticioaia-Budura said the European Union's diplomatic channels with North Korea may benefit Japan as they could help avoid a military conflict. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Europe calls on Japan to abolish death penalty

Europe calls on Japan to abolish death penalty

Viorel Isticioaia-Budura (2nd from L), ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Japan, attends a press conference in Tokyo on Oct. 6, 2017, calling on Japan to abolish the death penalty prior to the Oct. 10 World and European Day against the Death Penalty. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo