• Binzagr comments made during Arab News Japan press conference at FCCJ in Tokyo

Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Japan Ghazi Binzagr has highlighted the “exceptional” nature of the relationship between the two countries over the past 70 years.

The recently appointed ambassador expressed his belief that the next 70 years would be even more significant, as both nations sought to diversify beyond the traditional anchors of their relationship, foreseeing a future of mutual prosperity and growth.

Binzagr’s remarks were made during a press conference for Japanese media organized by Arab News Japan and held at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan on Friday.

It was staged at the conclusion of last week’s Saudi Japan Business Forum, which was attended by prominent Saudi ministers and business executives.

Describing the way forward as “an evolution of priorities,” Binzagr highlighted the potential of the new relationship in exploring new sources of energy that would benefit both countries. He emphasized the importance of asserting their relevance in new global realities, which would involve working together to co-create values in emerging technologies, as well as elements of soft power such as sports and entertainment.

There had always been a tremendous interest in Japan in Saudi Arabia, Binzagr said, stemming from the products Japan produced and exported but which now “including softer products such as anime that have had a profound effect on a rising curiosity from a whole generation in Saudi Arabia that is increasingly choosing Japan as a destination to visit.”

Dr. Binzagr highlighted the deep appeal of Japanese culture to the youth of Saudi Arabia, not just at a superficial level, but at a level that has sparked a desire to visit and study in Japan, to learn Japanese and understand the history and culture of the country. He said that this cultural dimension would be an additional pillar in the already strong relationship between the two nations, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures.

The ambassador said that he hoped a reciprocal feeling would develop within the Japanese to learn more about Saudi Arabia but admited that the desired level had not been reached yet. Saudi Vision 2030 had opened the doors to tourists and allowed Japanese and others the opportunity to discover more about the history and culture of the Kingdom, he said.

Binzagr reiterated the importance of strong, sustainable relations built on shared interests and values. He said that Saudi Arabia and Japan shared a strong commitment to global peace and the significance of robust multilateral institutions.

This shared commitment would not only ensure the stability of relations but also pave the way for further decades of fruitful collaboration between the two nations, he said.