Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi praised the upcoming launch of the United Arab Emirates’ Hope Probe to Mars as a “very important project” symbolizing the “strong relationship” between the two countries.

The Hope Probe will mark the first interplanetary mission by an Arab country and is set to launch in several days from the Tanegashima Space Center, located on a small island off the coast of southern Japan. 

“Due to bad weather, we understand that the schedule is currently being adjusted,” said Minister Motegi at a press conference on Friday, referring to the reschedule of the launch from this week to the next due to weather conditions. “But I do hope that the launch will be a success.”

He said that he has visited the Tanegashima Space Center before and found the facility very impressive, describing it as something straight out of a TV drama.

“Japan and the UAE have been promoting cooperation in a wide range of areas based on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative between the two countries,” the minister added. “We hope to continue the cooperation in various areas including space.”