Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The Embassy of Bahrain in Tokyo held a reception on Thursday to celebrate the anniversary of the accession of the King and Bahrain’s National Day.

Ambassador Ahmed Aldoseri said in his welcoming remarks that this year’s celebrations mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan.

“Bilateral relations between the two friendly countries have witnessed various historical milestones in all fields, which include political, trade and economic exchanges, education sectors and lately space programs,” he said. “The exchange visits during this year between high-ranked personnel of the two countries have reflected the Kingdom’s keenness to strengthen the collaboration bonds with Japan.”

Ambassador Aldoseri added that the strong trade relations between the two countries “reflect the existing trust of Japanese firms in the public and private institutions in Bahrain and its ability to maintain the sustainability of businesses and its growth under current circumstances.”

Beyond trade, the two countries have had a number of cultural exchanges, including an exhibition of Bahraini Natural Pearls in Yamanashi Prefecture, a speech contest in collaboration with Tokyo University for Foreign Language studies and a musical event in collaboration with the Min-on Association.

TAKAGI Kei, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, responded by offering his “heartfelt congratulations to the Government and People of Bahrain.” He noted that the relationship between the two countries dates further back, with the first shipment of Bahraini crude oil exported to Japan in 1934.

“During the past 50 years Japan and Bahrain have built wider and cordial relationships in the fields of energy, politics, economy, security and others,” he said. “Recently, collaboration between the two countries has also been progressing in new fields. It is our great pleasure to have seen a successful launch of the Bahrain-UAE jointly developed satellite ‘Light-1’ from Japan’s laboratory unit ‘Kibo’ on the International Space Station in cooperation with JAXA.”

“The continued visits of dignitaries will further strengthen our relationship and I myself would like to do my best to contribute as a bridge to further enhance our friendship.”

At the reception, photos on the history of Japan Bahrain relations were displayed along with jewelries made of pearls made in Bahrain. A Japanese and Bahraini National anthems were played by a Japanese musician using the traditional Arabic Oud instrument for over 300 guests from the Japanese government and the parliaments, including Consumer Affairs Minister Kono Taro, diplomats, academia and friends of Bahrain in Japan.