Kuwait set to achieve development, prosperity under wise leadership: Japan

• Japan aims to attract foreign investments from Kuwait. Over the past year, the country welcomed a significant influx of Kuwaiti tourists, with more than 5,000 visitors

The embassy of Japan in Kuwait extends warm congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on assuming the role of Emir of Kuwait, and to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Al-Sabah as Prime Minister. We are confident that Kuwait will continue to thrive under their wise leadership, achieving further development and prosperity.

The embassy is eager to forge strong partnerships with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other governmental bodies in Kuwait, along with diverse organizations and individuals, to bolster cooperation between our nations for a more peaceful and prosperous world. Furthermore, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a statement addressing the current situation in Gaza.

Since the epidemic subsided, there has been a remarkable resurgence in popular activities and people-to-people exchanges. Notably, over the past year, Japan welcomed a significant influx of Kuwaiti tourists, with more than 5,000 visitors.

There have been increased exchanges between students and business delegations. For instance, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and the Japan Cooperation Center for Sustainable Petroleum and Energy (JCCP) jointly organized a symposium last June on the issue of hydrogen and other technologies to reduce carbon emissions.

Additionally, another symposium was recently held in cooperation between the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (Petroleum Research Center) and the Japan Petroleum Cooperation Center, the statement said.

In addition, Japanese anime has gained wide popularity in Kuwait, leading to visits by Japanese voice actors and musicians to participate in anime-related events. Such interactions between the two countries are expected to deepen and expand further this year.

Japan also aims to attract foreign investments from all over the world, including Kuwait. “We support a free and open economic system under the well-established rule of law, providing a stable, safe, and predictable business environment. Japan takes pride in its high-quality human capital and competitive R&D. Our goal is to attract 100 trillion yen (about $670 billion) in foreign direct investment by 2030. Our embassy is ready to address any inquiries or comments regarding this matter,” Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Kuwaitis and Japanese alike prioritize their well-being and health. During the reception, the embassy showcased two Japanese health-related products: Yakult, a delicious fermented milk drink known for its health benefits, and ASICS running shoes, renowned for their quality by the famous Japanese sports shoe manufacturer.

The embassy also appreciates the messages of sympathy received from senior government officials, citizens, and friends in Kuwait, as well as many members of the diplomatic corps, following the earthquake that struck northern Japan on January 1.

Amidst the current global challenges, numerous individuals face harsh realities, notably in areas such as Gaza and Ukraine. During his annual address at the year’s outset, Naruhito, His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, lamented the loss of lives in conflicts worldwide and expressed optimism for mutual support and collaboration among people, fostering hope for progress in the New Year.

The embassy of Japan extends its gratitude to Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah for attending the reception as a guest of honor.

Israeli military operation in Rafah in Gaza Strip

In a statement, Kobayashi Maki, the press secretary at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed Japan’s profound concern regarding reports of an Israeli military operation in Rafah within the Gaza Strip. The operation is especially troubling as Rafah serves as a critical hub for delivering humanitarian aid, with over one million displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip reliant on its accessibility for essential supplies.

He emphasized the urgency of improving the deteriorating humanitarian situation on the ground, as the number of civilian casualties, including a significant proportion of children, women, and the elderly, continues to rise. Providing a safe environment for humanitarian aid activities is crucial to address this issue promptly.

The press secretary emphasized Japan’s condemnation of terrorist attacks by Hamas and others, stressing the need to protect civilians and urges all parties to adhere to international law, including humanitarian law, and to act in good faith according to relevant UN Security Council resolutions, particularly in ensuring humanitarian assistance.