ABU DHABI // The UAE and Japan can look forward to a new era of promising cooperation.
That was the message from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, when he arrived in Toyko on an official visit.
During a meeting on Tuesday with Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan’s economy and trade minister, Sheikh Mohammed said the countries could share expertise in areas such as education, industry, technology and renewable energy.
They will also continue efforts to support peace and stability in the region, Sheikh Mohammed said.
During the two-day visit, Sheikh Mohammed will also meet Emperor Akihito and the prime minister, Shinzo Abe.
“I have come back to Japan after my visit in 2007, demonstrating that relations between the two countries are based on a strong foundation driving it forward to further growth and development in all fields and to serve the common interests of the two countries and the two friendly peoples,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
“It also confirms that the relations between the two countries are strategic and necessary for the continued progress and prosperity of our peoples.”
The visit to Japan is part of an East Asian tour that includes a two-day official visit to South Korea to meet the president, Park Geun-hye, and the prime minister, Jung Hong-won.
Sheikh Mohammed said Japan “represents a particular importance” in the UAE’s drive to strengthen diplomatic ties with other countries because of its successful development model.
He referred to recent cooperation agreements, the development of trade in goods and services and investment.
During a visit by Mr Abe to the UAE last May, the two countries signed agreements on nuclear cooperation, patient transfers to Japan, the building of a Japanese medical centre in Al Ain Hospital, the opening of a Japanese school in the UAE and an education exchange.
Last month, Mr Motegi met high-level UAE officials in Abu Dhabi to discuss areas of cooperation in education, investment, medical services and oil.
The UAE aims to boost its knowledge-based economy and can benefit from Japanese experience in particular, Sheikh Mohammed said on Tuesday.
Promoting study there could “maximise the benefits of the scientific and technological renaissance taking place in Japan”.
Japan is the top trade partner for many countries and a gateway to East Asia, as well as the world’s third largest economic power.
UAE exports to Japan amounted to about US$22 billion (Dh80bn) – mainly crude oil and natural gas – in 2009. Imports of products from Japan, such as cars and machinery, stood at $6.9bn.
Japan welcomed Sheikh Mohammed’s visit “from the bottom of the heart”, the Japanese embassy in the UAE said on Tuesday.
“In the beginning, relations were mainly based on oil trade. Nevertheless, things have changed,” said Kenji Hirata, the charge d’affaires.
The UAE continues to be one of the main sources of Japan’s energy supply and hosts the largest Japanese community in the Middle East and North Africa – about 3,500 expatriates.
“Considering these changes, Japan has been making efforts to expand its relations with the UAE to integrate many traditionally uncovered areas,” Mr Hirata said. He described Mr Abe’s May visit to the UAE as an important step towards those efforts.
Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy, and Saeed Al Nowais, UAE Ambassador to Japan, accompanied Sheikh Mohammed as part of the high-level delegation, with officials from Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority.
Sheikh Mohammed also toured the Meiji Shrine, a building dedicated to the emperor who died in 1912.
lcarroll@thenational.ae
* Additional reporting by Wam
