General Mohammed seeks stronger ties with Japan

Relations between the two countries are based on a strong foundation driving it forward to further growth and development in all fields and to serve the common interests of the two countries and the two friendly peoples, he said.

General Shaikh Mohammed is welcomed by Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito in Tokyo. Photos: AFP

General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has said that the relationship between the UAE and Japan is a model one, and highlighted the keenness of the leaderships of both countries, since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1971, to promote and develop these relations in various fields in a way that achieves the interests of the two countries and enhances the well-being and prosperity of their peoples.

In a press statement upon his arrival at Tokyo, General Shaikh Mohammed expressed hope that the visit will contribute to achieving a quantum leap in the march of bilateral relations and be an important occasion to exchange views on current developments and work on exerting every possible effort in support of peace and stability in the region.

“I can only express my happiness at visiting the friendly country of Japan and meeting with His Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan and Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister, and Japanese officials. On this occasion, I would like to convey the greetings of The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to His Majesty, the Emperor, and the Prime Minister and his wishes for Japan for further progress and prosperity,' he said.

“I have come back today to Japan after my visit in 2007, demonstrating that relations between the two countries are based on a strong foundation driving it forward to further growth and development in all fields and to serve the common interests of the two countries and the two friendly peoples. It also confirms that the relations between the two countries are strategic and necessary for the continued progress and prosperity for our peoples,” he added.

He further stated: “If the United Arab Emirates...is keen to strengthen its external partnerships and establish special relations with the countries of the world in all fields, then Japan represents a particular importance as part of this drive as it represents a successful development model, succeeding to put Japan on the map of developed countries.”

He pointed out that ties between the two countries have seen a quantum leap over the past few years, culminating in the signing of several cooperation agreements in a number of areas with the aim of strengthening economic relations and the development of trade in the goods and services sector and developing investment between the two sides.

He noted that, “There is outstanding cooperation in the scientific and academic fields between the two countries, as many of our Emirati students are completing their higher studies in Japan and in the future, we are seeking to promote this approach in order to maximise the benefits of scientific and technological renaissance taking place in Japan, in building a base of Emirati cadres in the field of modern science and technology to serve the march of development and progress in the United Arab Emirates.”

He explained that the UAE and Japan today possess many opportunities for developing bilateral relations and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. In this regard, he pointed out that the UAE aims to boost its knowledge-based economy and benefit from different experiences in the world in this concern, especially those of Japan, as it represents a gateway to the markets of the Middle East and North Africa, and is currently the first trade partner in the region for many countries around the world.

He also highlighted that Japan is the world’s third largest economic power and has enormous expertise in the industry and technology sectors. Thus, the two countries are able to strengthen their strategic partnership to enhance the welfare and prosperity of the two peoples.

• UAE