Arab News Japan

Tokyo Governor KOIKE Yuriko is set to tour Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates from Saturday to Wednesday to discuss the joint development of vaccines and cooperation in education.

Koike stated at a press conference on Friday that the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medicine has been researching the development of vaccines, and as Kuwait has shown interest in such research and development, “We will continue exchanging opinions with researchers in Kuwait to jointly develop a vaccine and try to make a positive contribution in this field.”

Replying to a question from Arab News Japan, Koike also noted that Arab countries had shown a growing interest in Japanese culture and educational opportunities.

“Abu Dhabi and Middle East countries have long been interested in Japan and the Japanese language,” she said. “Today’s younger generation is interested in culture such as anime. So, I think that cooperation in education will be a great investment by visiting Abu Dhabi, which has a very high interest in Japanese education.”

The visit will be the first occasion to talk with UAE officials about exchanges with Tokyo metropolitan high schools.

Although the business side of her visits mainly concerns COVID-19 vaccines and educational opportunities, “Kuwait and UAE are major oil producers and suppliers to Japan, so the energy sector will always be an important factor in our relationship,” she said. “I think the situation in Ukraine shows the importance of securing energy supplies, and it’s very important for Japan.”

Furthermore, renewable energy technology is another side of cooperation, Koike said.

Koike noted she plans to visit Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region in the future: “Time constraints allowed only visiting Kuwait and the UAE this time. I have been to Saudi Arabia many times, and I am pleased to have been able to welcome visitors from Saudi Arabia many times.”

“The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Japan has been strong for many years, so I would like to visit when I have the opportunity. Saudi Arabia is an oil-producing country and has played a major role in balancing the oil market. I’m sure they will continue to do so.”