KUWAIT: The Embassy of Japan held a reception on Wednesday on the occasion of the birthday of the Emperor of Japan at Regency Hotel. Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as the guest of honor. Speaking to Kuwait Times, Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Morino Yasunari stressed on bilateral trade between the countries. “Kuwait is the third largest supplier of oil to Japan. We would like to expand these relations beyond oil and build more cooperations in the areas of health, food and environment, as both countries have common interests in these areas,” he said. He also noted that unfortunately, Kuwait culture is not very well known in Japan, so he invited more Kuwaitis to visit Japan and raise more awareness about their culture there.

In his opening speech, he specifically addressed his desire to work closely with the ministry of foreign affairs and other government bodies in Kuwait, as well as various organizations and individuals for the sake of achieving peace, prosperity and a better world.

Morino emphasized the already existing diplomatic relations that have strengthened the ties between the two countries, which have been reflected in various instances last year. Firstly, more than 5,000 Kuwaiti tourists visited Japan in 2023, aligning with its aim to attract foreign investment from all countries around the world.

“We are proud of our high-quality human capital and competitive R&D. Japan is aiming to reach 100 trillion yen (about $670 billion) inn trade balance in 2030,” he added, explaining Japan upholds a free and open economic order under the well-established rule of law, which provides a stable, secure and predictable business environment.

Guests attending the event.

Secondly, he referred to the rise in the exchange of students and the increasing business delegations, where government institutes and organizations from the two countries cooperated in holding various symposiums. Morino also highlighted Kuwait’s success to attract Japanese voice actors and musicians in anime-related events held in Kuwait.

Lastly, he added the significant interest by both Japanese and Kuwaiti peoples to learn each other’s language has encouraged Kuwait University to accept Japanese students to a year-long Arabic language course, in addition to providing a Japanese language course for Kuwaitis. He expected these kinds of interactions to continue this year, further deepening and extending relations. “Cultural exchanges are not only important for friendship and mutual understanding, but can also inspire further development of the respective cultures,” Morino said.

The ambassador announced the approach of Expo 2025 in 14 months in Osaka and Kansai. “I hope that the 2025 Expo will be an epoch-making occasion to reaffirm the importance of mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation for peace and further development of mankind,” he said.

Finally, Morino conveyed his gratitude for the encouraging messages he received from government leaders, Kuwaiti citizens and diplomatic representatives following the earthquake that struck Japan’s northern region on Jan 1. Furthermore, he recalled the words of the Japanese emperor in his annual remarks in January this year, expressing his grief about the loss of lives due to the wars and conflicts that are happening around the world, especially in Gaza and Ukraine.