General Shaikh Mohammed: UAE-Japan ties an ever-evolving one

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 UAE-Japan relationship represents an “ever-evolving” model.

Ever since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1971, he said, the leadership of both countries have been keen to promote and develop relations in various fields in a way that achieves the interests of the two countries and enhances the prosperity of their peoples.

General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed speaks with Miyazaki, Vice-Chief of the Meiji Shrine at Yoyogi park in Tokyo during his two-day visit to Japan on Tuesday. Emperor Meiji (November 3, 1852 – July 30, 1912) or Meiji the Great was the 122nd Emperor of Japan — Wam

On his arrival at Tokyo Haneda International Airport, General Shaikh Mohammed was accorded a warm welcome by Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito.

General Shaikh Mohammed in a press statement expressed hope that his official visit to Japan will contribute in achieving a “quantum leap” in the march of bilateral relations. He hoped the visit would serve as 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.

Visit signifies progress of relations: Japan minister General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said he is looking forward to take bilateral relations between the UAE and Japan to a new era where the two countries can share expertise and experiences in areas of education, scientific research, physiotherapy, industry, technology and renewable energy. General Shaikh Mohammed made his remarks during a meeting on Tuesday in Tokyo with Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. The meeting was also attended by Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister, and Shaikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court. The two sides discussed ways of enhancing friendly ties between the two countries as well as an array of issues of common interest. The Japanese minister welcomed General Shaikh Mohammed and his delegation, stressing that the trip signifies the progress of bilateral ties in all fields. He expressed Japan’s “sincere desire” to expand cooperation with the UAE and generate new opportunities for joint projects. The leadership of the UAE and Japan, he affirmed, are keen to strengthen these ties for serving mutual interests. The meeting was attended by Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy; Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority; Nasser Ahmed Al Suweidi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; Shaikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director of the Department of East Asia and Pacific; Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court; Abdullah Nasser Al Suwaidi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company; and Saeed Ali Yousef Al Nowais, the UAE Ambassador to Japan.

“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 (other) 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.

“The UAE, led by Shaikh Khalifa, is keen to strengthen its external partnerships and establish special relations with the countries of the world in all fields, and Japan is of particular importance as it represents a successful development model,” he said.

General Shaikh Mohammed pointed out that the ties between the two countries have seen a quantum leap over the past few years. This, he said, has culminated 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 investments between the two sides.

“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. 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. This will help 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 UAE,” he said.

General Shaikh Mohamed explained that the UAE and Japan today possess many opportunities for developing bilateral relations and strengthen strategic partnerships.

He pointed out that the UAE aims to boost its knowledge-based economy and benefit from different experiences in the world, especially those of Japan, as it represents a gateway to the markets of the Middle East and North Africa. Japan, he said, 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.