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Crown Prince concludes landmark visit to Japan

Stronger Kuwait-Japan ties sealed

publish time

31/05/2025

publish time

31/05/2025

Crown Prince concludes landmark visit to Japan
HH the Crown Prince visits the Kuwait Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, praising its display of national heritage and innovation.

TOKYO, May 31: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah departed early on Saturday the Japanese city of Osaka following an official visit. His Highness the Crown Prince was seen off at the airport by the Minister of Information, Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, the State of Kuwait Ambassador to Japan Sami Al-Zamanan and the Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- Hamad Al-Sabah sent on Saturday a thank you message to the Japanese Emperor Naruhito. His Highness Crown Prince expressed his gratitude for the warm reception during his official visit to Japan, thanking Emperor Naruhito on behalf of himself and his delegation. He highlighted that this warm welcome reflects the strong historic ties between the two countries, nurtured by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah.

His Highness the Crown Prince also appreciated the positive Kuwaiti-Japanese discussions on mutual interests and emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation to elevate bilateral relations, benefiting both nations and addressing global challenges. In conclusion, he wished Emperor Naruhito continued good health and success, and further progress and prosperity for Japan and its people. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- Hamad Al-Sabah also addressed a message of identical sentiments to the Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito, noting that he was deeply moved by the warm hospitality that mirrored the close and historic relations between the State of Kuwait and Japan. He noted that the visit to Japan was a significant step for bolstering the bilateral ties, the strategic partnerships, and affirming the resolve to expand this partnership and promote it at various levels. His Highness the Crown Prince wished him utmost good health and success and for his people more progress and prosperity. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, upon conclusion of his official visit to Japan, sent on Saturday a message to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, expressing deep gratitude for the well-organized reception for him and his entourage.

His Highness the Crown Prince thanked the prime minister for the well-organized and warm reception during his presence in Japan, noting that the visit depicted depth of the distinguished and solid bonds that date back to 60 years ago. These close relations are of prior concern for His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah, he said to the premier. This visit was an opportunity to discuss regional and international issues of common concern, expand the bilateral partnership in various sectors, and promote it to a more comprehensive level, he added. The freshly concluded visit by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to Japan (May 28-31) has successfully pushed for the constructive development of the historic ties, said Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro on Saturday.

In a statement, obtained by KUNA, following the end of His Highness the Crown Princes visit, Ambassador Mukai said “I am also pleased to express our pride in His Highness’s successful visit to Japan “where he met with His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito, the Crown Prince (Murihito of) Akishino, and the Prime Minister Ishiba, and the two countries have concurred to upgrade our bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.” During His Highness’ visit, five memoranda of understanding were signed, the Ambassador added. “Through the MoC (Memorandum of Cooperation) on Training of Diplomats between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, “I hope the cooperation between the two Ministries will be further strengthened,” he said. “The two countries have agreed on the comprehensive cooperation in the field of electricity, water, and renewable energy through signing the MOC between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan and the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy of the State of Kuwait,” said the Ambassador.

Ambassador Mukai said, “the MoC on Direct Investment between the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Kuwait Foreign Direct Investment Agency was also signed, which I hope will facilitate the further expansion of the investment from Japanese companies into Kuwait in the future.” “We are optimistic that this visit and its outcomes will serve to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation, building upon the strong and enduring relationship between Japan and Kuwait, founded on shared values and mutual interests,” he affirmed. Earlier today (Saturday), His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled concluded his visit to Japan, departing from the city of Osaka and addressing messages to the emperor and the crown prince, expressing sincere gratitude for the warm hospitality and affirming that the visit constituted a substantial push the bilateral relations. On Friday, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled, during his official visit to Japan, visited Expo 2025 Osaka. Accompanied by senior Kuwaiti official, he started his tour of the expo with a visit to the pavilion of the hosts, where the Japanese officials briefed him on the exhibits that reflect their history, culture and civilization.(KUNA)