Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The Omani Embassy in Tokyo celebrated the country’s 53rd National Day on Monday in an event hosted by Ambassador Mohammed Said Al Busaidi and attended by more than 200 government officials, politicians, academia, diplomats, media and Omanis and friends of Oman in Japan. 

In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Al Busaidi said Oman Vision 2040 was set up as a fundamental guide for development between 2021 and 2040 and aims to elevate Oman to the ranks of advanced countries in economy, society, environment, governance, and institutional development.

As part of Vision 2040, Oman is pursuing national strategies for economic diversification, energy transition, and carbon neutrality by 2050. Oman aims to lead in the world’s green hydrogen industry. It has the main components necessary: abundant land, renewable energy potential, and human resources. 

Our ambitious plans aim to produce more than one million tons of green hydrogen by 2030. And, by 2050, to produce approximately 8 million tons.

Ambassador Al Busaidi reaffirmed Oman’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s legitimate right to freedom, dignity and self-determination.”

“Gaza is currently subject to brutal and random Israeli aggression. This aggression has killed thousands of people and injured tens of thousands more, leaving their loved ones distraught. Civilian infrastructure, humanitarian facilities and homes have been destroyed. Hundreds of thousands are displaced.”

“Let there be no doubt that this aggression has surpassed all justification. It flagrantly violates all human ethics. Today, I call on all policymakers to listen to their conscience and do everything in their power to stop this senseless war immediately. I call upon everyone to do all you can to achieve peace, to support those civilians who are suffering, and to stop the violence.”

Ambassador Busaidi said Gaza needs aid urgently, and military action will not bring a solution to the Palestinian issue. 

“The only solution is to end the illegitimate Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and establish an independent Palestinian state, with the borders of June 4, 1967, and East Jerusalem as its capital,” he said, adding that this solution was following international law and resolutions of the United Nations.”

FUKUZAWA Yoichi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, represented Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and emphasized the importance of Japan’s relationship with Oman.

“I am delighted that the relationship between both countries has evolved in various areas under our comprehensive partnership. More than 80 percent of Japan’s crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, adjacent to Oman. Oman, a maritime nation, is an important partner country for Japan geopolitically and in terms of energy security.”

Fukuzawa recalled the meetings and close relations between officials of both countries and looked forward to more. “We look forward to more active bilateral exchanges in various fields in the future,” he said.

YAMADA Miki, the former State Minister of the Environment and Secretary General of the Japan-Oman Parliamentarians’ Friendship League, also stated how important Japan’s relationship is with Oman.

“Oman is located in a strategic point in maritime transportation and plays an important role in the peace and prosperity of the Middle East region,” he said. “Also, Oman is a very important friend of Japan. In addition to the environment, we would like to strengthen our excellent relationship in various fields such as politics, economy, and culture. I will work hard to enhance further this long, friendly, cooperative relationship between our two countries.”

At the celebration, a Tokyo high school ensemble played the national anthems, and Omani food and sweets were served.