Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Toshimitsu Motegi, the Japanese minister for foreign affairs, spoke with his counterpart from the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, by phone on Monday evening, Japan time.

During the talk, Minister Motegi congratulated Minister Abdullah on the UAE’s Hope Probe to Mars, which was launched from a Japanese space center last Monday. In return, Minister Abdullah expressed gratitude for Japan’s cooperation with the launch.

The Japanese minister also expressed gratitude for the UAE’s cooperation regarding coronavirus-related travel restrictions, as special flights operated by Etihad Airways and Emirates during April and May allowed Japanese nationals living in the UAE to return home.

The two ministers agreed to continue to work together in response to the pandemic, such as by helping to protect citizens residing in each other’s countries.

They also mentioned the Japan-UAE Investment Agreement, welcoming efforts to bring it into force soon, as well as the further strengthening of relations through their shared Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative.

Finally, the ministers agreed to work together closely on Middle East affairs and to cooperate in international forums.