Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Japan, Dr Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, underscored the significance of the Japan-Arab Economic Forum in strengthening and expanding their relations beyond the traditional fields.

“We’re attending a very important conference that emphasizes the very important relationship between Japan and the Arab countries in general,” Ambassador Binzagr told Arab News Japan. “And for me, as Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, it also emphasizes the important relationship between Japan and the Kingdom.”

The 5th Japan-Arab Forum, a key platform for fostering economic ties, is being held in Tokyo on Tuesday and Wednesday. The forum aims to facilitate Japanese companies’ expansion into Arab countries and strengthen Japan’s relationship with them.

Ambassador Binzagr said that Japan’s energy relationship with Saudi Arabia was an important anchor to their relationship but noted that many countries are committed to transforming their energy sources from traditional to renewable.

“For that, a particular kind of partnership will be required,” he added. “The emphasis on partnership was essential to the meeting today. For Saudi Arabia, there is particular interest in partnerships that can co-create. What that means is a partnership that creates energy solutions that are cleaner, better, and safer for tomorrow and solutions that will care for the environment and increase prosperity.”

Dr Binzagr said another angle is the important link between economics and development and the idea of creating strategic solutions, which are long-term, comprehensive plans, that translate to prosperity not only in the Middle East but also for Japan and its neighbors. In addition, he said, “It should include solutions that translate into a quality of life that impacts citizens everywhere.”