UAE celebrates National Day and relationship with Japan

TOKYO: United Arab Emirates Ambassador Shihab Ahmed Mohamed Abdulrahim AlFaheem hosted a celebration of his country’s national day (which falls on December 2) and mentioned how the Osaka-Kansai Expo symbolized “the depth of our relationship with Japan and the world.”

The celebration, held at a Tokyo hotel on November 27, was attended by State Minister for Foreign Affairs KUNIMITSU Ayano, diplomats, politicians, officials, business leaders, and members of the media.

The Ambassador stated that the UAE Pavilion was the most visited at this year’s Expo and left “a lasting legacy of achievement” under the theme “From the Earth to the Airwaves.” The aim, he said, was to link the rich heritage of the UAE “with the horizons of innovation and the future.”

“Our historical relationship with Japan is a living example of this reality,” he said. “From partnerships in the energy sector that began in the 1960s to our cooperation today in multiple vital fields. This strong relationship means that progress is a natural outcome of mutual trust and a unified vision.”

“We look forward to strengthening this cooperation, especially through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which will open new horizons for trade and investment between our two countries, bringing prosperity to our peoples.”

Ambassador AlFaheem noted the advancements made by the UAE’s “strategic vision” in economic matters, sustainable development, space exploration, clean energy, and artificial intelligence. It was, he added, brought about by investing in people and knowledge, and utilizing resources efficiently.

“This year’s celebration coincides with the announcement by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, of the leadership’s deep belief in the ability of the nation’s citizens and residents to contribute constructively to the progress and development of the country, and to strengthen the values of participation and solidarity that formed the basis of the UAE’s founding,” Ambassador AlFaheem said.

As examples of the UAE’s progress, the Ambassador pointed out that the country has announced its participation in a project to develop a lunar space station alongside the United States, Japan, Canada, and the European Union. It is also the first Arab country to possess a permanent polar research base and the first to launch an AI model in the Arabic language, Falcon Arabic.

State Minister Kunimitsu noted that in the medical sector, which is strongly supported by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, it was decided this year that a Japanese heavy-ion therapy device will be delivered to the Cleveland Clinic in the UAE.

She added: “In the space sector, Japan’s H3 rocket has been selected for the UAE’s planned asteroid exploration mission in 2028. The path of cooperation between Japan and the UAE, which began from the land of Abu Dhabi, now reaches far into the sky. We eagerly look forward to seeing what the future holds for the history of our relations.”

State Minister Kunimitsu conveyed Japan’s deep gratitude for the UAE’s significant contributions to the success of EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai this year.

Saudi Ambassador to Japan, Dr. Ghazi Faisal Saeed Binzagr, was present among the Ambassadors participating in the events. He shared insights with Arab News Japan.

“Today is the national day of the UAE and it’s a beautiful and proud occasion, one in which we reaffirm how all the countries of the GCC are one, with one history and one destiny. It reminds me of our common roots that are extensive and are thousands of years old. We look forward to the many 1000 years to come and, of course, with our common partner Japan, which continues to be a wonderful partner and is part of the developments in our region. Together we are joining hands to create a better more prosperous and peaceful world.”