Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida received a warm welcome from President Sheikh Mohamed in Abu Dhabi. The Prime Minister is visiting the UAE accompanied by a delegation of senior government officials. The visit began with a grand reception at Qasr Al Watan, where they were greeted by a guard of honour and a 21-gun salute. A group of children waving UAE and Japanese flags also welcomed Mr Kishida. The leaders engaged in discussions on the longstanding bilateral relations between the UAE and Japan, which span over 50 years. They emphasized the comprehensive partnership signed in September as a significant milestone, signaling increased collaboration in various sectors such as the economy, trade, technology, energy, space, and education.
President Sheikh Mohamed expressed his pleasure in welcoming Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida to the UAE, highlighting the deep bond between the two countries. They explored avenues to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and contribute to sustainable global growth and stability. The leaders also discussed regional and international developments, emphasizing their shared commitment to peace and stability through cooperation and dialogue.
President Sheikh Mohamed mentioned the UAE’s anticipation of Japan’s participation in the upcoming Cop28 climate conference in Dubai. He acknowledged Japan’s significant role in climate action, including hosting Cop3 and its association with the Kyoto Protocol. Mr Kishida conveyed the greetings of Emperor Naruhito and expressed his desire to continue working closely with Sheikh Mohamed to elevate the ties between the UAE and Japan.
The visit of Prime Minister Kishida is part of his first trip to the Emirates since assuming office, and it forms a crucial part of his Gulf tour. The UAE and Japan have a strong and enduring relationship, with Japan being one of the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with the Emirates in 1972. Their cooperation extends beyond traditional areas such as energy and economy to encompass fields like climate change, education, science and technology, outer space, and defense.
Trade between the UAE and Japan has seen substantial growth, with the UAE being Japan’s seventh-largest trading partner globally and a significant oil supplier. In 2022, trade between the two countries exceeded Dh200 billion ($54.4 billion), representing a substantial increase. The leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in space, highlighting Japan’s contributions to the UAE’s space policy and joint achievements in satellite launches.
Prime Minister Kishida intends to propose the Global Green Energy Hub initiative, leveraging the strengths of both countries to establish the Middle East as a global hub for next-generation fuels and mineral resources. Additionally, he plans to propose a Japan-UAE Innovation Partnership, aiming to enhance industrial collaboration and support increased foreign direct investment into Japan and the semiconductor industry.
The visit reaffirms the strong ties between the UAE and Japan and sets the stage for further strategic partnerships and collaboration in energy, climate action, and various other sectors.
