Staff Writer

Japan has long been a “reliable strategic partner and friend” to Saudi Arabia, the latter’s Commerce and Investment Minister Majid Al-Qasabi said at the launch event of Arab News Japan on Monday. 

“Since 1955, business has been great between the two countries. We appreciate all the cooperation, the partnerships and the business with the Japanese community,” he added.

He said Saudi Arabia has a “special relation” with Japan, especially between the crown prince and the newly enthroned emperor.

Al-Qasabi told the audience at the launch event that he wishes and prays for a prosperous future for Japan.

“I would like to congratulate Arab News. This is a great opportunity, a moment in history … We should be present here with our friends in Japan, so thank you very much,” he said.

The eagerly awaited Japanese-language news website was launched on Monday in Tokyo.