Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs HONDA Taro reaffirmed good relations between Japan, Oman and Bahrain, the Foreign Ministry said.  

Honda held a meeting last week with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, taking the opportunity of this year’s 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries to encourage further cooperation. 

Honda stated that Oman is a strategically important partner and Japan appreciates Oman’s diplomatic efforts to resolve a number of issues, such as the situation in Yemen. Foreign Minister Badr expressed his appreciation for Japan’s humanitarian assistance to Yemen. 

The two sides agreed to work closely together to respond to the situation in Ukraine and Iran and to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific. Honda also visited the Maritime Security Center in Muscat to discuss the safety of the navigation of vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and naval training in the Arabian Sea.

Honda met with Salim bin Nasser bin Said al Aufi, Oman’s Minister at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and looked ahead to further bilateral cooperation in areas such as clean energy and stabilizing the international crude oil market. 

In Bahrain, he visited Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, with the two sides stating that they would take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bahrain to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in areas that include space, economy and business. 

Before the end of his trip, Honda met with Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, and thanked the minister for his cooperation in signing the “Japan-Bahrain Investment Agreement.” 

Honda also went to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet Command to meet with Rear Admiral Sean R. Bailey. Honda expressed his appreciation for the US military’s efforts to secure the waters of the Middle East and Africa. He also had the opportunity to pay tribute to SDF personnel dispatched to the 5th Fleet.

Honda held talks with Japanese companies in Bahrain to hear about the needs of Japanese companies to further promote economic exchanges, as well as further bilateral economic relations.