Japan-Kuwait ties ‘a role model’

TOKYO: Japan-Kuwait Society Chairman Yasushi Kimura commended firm and longstanding friendly ties between Japan and Kuwait, as the society is set to mark the 50th anniversary next year.

“Japan made a contribution to liberation and reconstruction of Kuwait during the Gulf conflict and the Gulf War in 19901991. After 20 years of Japan’s assistance, Kuwait offered the fullest support to our country in the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Such a mutual assistance cannot possibly be achieved overnight and it much owes to longtime amicable relations cultivated by our predecessors,” Kimura said.

The Japan-Kuwait relationship dates back to 1958 when Arabian Oil Co signed an oil exploration concession agreement with the Kuwaiti government. Following the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1961, upon Kuwait’s independence, the two countries have fostered friendly relations and deepened cooperation in broad spheres ranging from energy, economy, scientific technology, environment protection, and education to cultural exchanges.

Kimura shed light on recent reciprocal visits of the Kuwaiti and Japanese leaders, which became milestones of bilateral relations.

His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah visited Japan in March 2012 as a state guest. The historic visit, in which he received a welcome from the Emperor Akihito and met then Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, resulted in achievements including the signing of an Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investment.

Strong will

Last August, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe paid an official visit to Kuwait for the second time following his trip in 2007 during his first stint as prime minister. At the meetings with His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Abe expressed his strong will to further promote the multi-layered Kuwait-Japan relations.

“Constant contact and mutual consideration are important for cultivating and maintaining friendships, same as people-to-people exchange. Our two countries have witnessed cordial relations for more than a half-century, and the mutual visits by His Highness the Amir and Prime Minister Abe played a significant role in further advancing this friendly relationship and building a stronger bond between the two countries,” Kimura said. —KUNA