Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan’s  Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide said he hope to build a good relationship with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, while further strengthening the relationship between Japan and the United Arab Emirates.

During a telephone summit held on Dec. 22 for approximately 15 minutes, Suga also expressed to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed his gratitude for the congratulatory message from Crown Prince Mohammed at the occasion of his appointment as Prime Minister.

In response, Crown Prince Mohammed once again expressed his congratulations on Prime Minister Suga’s inauguration, the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo said in a statement.

Prime Minister Suga emphasized in the talks that Japan appreciates the stable supply of crude oil from the United Arab Emirates, and welcomed the fact bilateral cooperation is progressing in various fields based on the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative (CSPI).” In response, Crown Prince Mohammed stated that he would like to cooperate with Prime Minister Suga to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in all fields, the statement said.

The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and decided to work together closely in the international arena. In addition, Prime Minister Suga asked for understanding and cooperation towards the early resolution of the abductions issue by North Korea, and gained the support of Crown Prince Mohammed.