Arab News Japan

OSAKA: Saudi Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr said at a press conference in Osaka on Monday, the day of the closing ceremonies of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, that events like Expo “are extremely important to allow all of us to connect, people to people and civilization to civilization.”

Ambassador Binzagr, also the Commissioner General of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka said that in a time of conflict, events such as the Expo allow people to see “the best that we all have to offer. Expo brings the world to people, and it’s very important, particularly for the young, to see an opportunity that links them with one another so that they may have the hope that we can truly build a better world for tomorrow.” He added that Expos stresses the importance of education and learning, innovation and technology, and collaboration.

Riyadh will host the Expo in 2030, and the Ambassador said the opportunity to be the host is not just about hosting, but also about what it can bring as an opportunity that matches Vision 2030. Dr. Binzagr described Riyadh as “a very important political capital in the world and a very important economic capital in the world, as well as a cultural capital and civilizational capital.” These elements, he said, represent the important pillars of Vision 2030.

The Saudi Ambassador added: “It’s not enough to have economic progress if it doesn’t translate to a quality of life that’s felt by the citizen and has a positive impact on the environment, for example. It reminds us that true progress is progress that everyone in all dimensions of life feels. Vision 2030 attempts to do the same so that economic prosperity and the quality of life for people and good governance go side by side as we move forward.”

Monday’s Closing Ceremony included a flag lowering and handover to Riyadh, the host of the 2030 Expo, in the presence of Crown Prince Akishino and Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru.

Dr. Binzagr expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Japan for hosting the Expo. He particularly praised the success of the Saudi Pavilion in introducing Saudi Arabia to the Expo’s visitors, a testament to the warm reception and appreciation shown by the Japanese audience.

“From my perspective, what the people of Japan have found so interesting about Saudi through their pavilion experience is that we are much closer together than we may think,” he commented. “We preserve and celebrate our cultural heritage and identity just as you do, while also being ambitious for our future.”

The Saudi Ambassador said he was honored to participate in an official ceremony on Friday that saw 350 pieces of 3D coral printed at the Saudi Arabian Pavilion by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. This won the First Expo Award for Technological Innovation, a significant achievement that showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to technological advancement and environmental conservation.

“This reflected the legacy and spirit of partnership that unites Saudi Arabia and Japan,” Dr. Binzagr said. “We have a shared vision for progress stemming from the Expo, which is forward-looking and grounded in respect for our environment, people and planet.”

The Expo, he added, brought the Japanese and the Japanese business community closer to Saudi Arabia, especially at the Saudi-Japan Expo Investment Forum hosted during the Saudi National Day program in September.

“The people of Japan touched us, and the people of Japan touched us deeply,” he continued. “Finally, in our 70th year of diplomatic relations, while Expo may be over today, I am fortunate to continue my engagement every day with the people of Japan as ambassador and look forward to working with you in the future to bring our two nations ever closer together.”

The Ambassador said Japan and Saudi Arabia have had a strong complementary economic relationship . Japan has been a significant importer of Saudi oil, and in return, Saudi Arabia has been a key market for Japanese technology and investment. This relationship is now progressing from oil and technology to “a whole host of other opportunities for investment in Saudi Arabia, particularly after the launch of Vision 2030, which has diversified our quest and given more opportunities for Japanese companies to become partners with us on new dimensions and in new sectors.”

Both countries, he said, are transforming and seeking partnerships that benefit not only the Japanese and Saudi economies but also create a mutually beneficial relationship in supply and value chains, ultimately adding value to the world. He highlighted new areas of cooperation, such as esports and electronic gaming, and creative industries such as manga.

The Ambassador fondly recalled the personal interactions he had at the Expo, particularly with the public, families, and children. He described the shared smiles, emotions, and photo-taking as moments that transcended cultural and national boundaries, leaving a lasting impression of unity and shared humanity.

“It’s such an incredible feeling to feel that the best thing I can give another human being from another part of the world is simply a smile and who I am, and receiving the same,” he said. “That’s a memory I will never forget.”