On Wednesday 25th February 2004 a group of visitors from the Japan-Malta Friendship Association of Tokyo led by Mrs. Kazuko Sugimoto called at the University Library to present a number of books on Japanese life and culture, in their effort at promoting a greater understanding of Japan in Malta.  The twenty-four members of the group, currently on one of their biennial visits to Malta, were accompanied by the founder of the Maltese Friends of Japan Association Mr. Edward Sammut who was instrumental in securing the wide selection of books for the University Library and in laying the ground for similar future donations.  The presentation ceremony was presided by University Rector Prof R. Ellul Micallef and included the signing of a donation agreement whereby the Japan-Malta Friendship Society has promised to make similar donations over the next triennium in areas of interest to both institutions.  The ceremony was attended by the University Director of Library Services Mr. A. Mangion, senior members of staff, and the whole group of the Japanese visitors whose enthusiasm and attraction to all things Maltese augurs well for closer links between the two countries.