KUWAIT CITY, Feb 4: Acting Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Aziz Al-Daihani described the Kuwaiti-Japanese relations as historical and strategic -- extending back to 1961, asserting that this relationship is deep-rooted and extensive at various levels. Al-Daihani made the statement on the sidelines of the reception that the Japanese Embassy in Kuwait organized at the Regency Hotel on the occasion of Japan’s National Day and the birthday of Japanese Emperor Naruhito. More than 300 guests attended the event, including Al-Daihani, who attended as the guest of honor, along with the representatives of government bodies, diplomatic corps, regional and international organizations, business community and media. He revealed that several Japanese companies existed in Kuwait even before the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries, indicating that this is a manifestation of the depth of early cooperation and mutual trust between the two countries.

He pointed out that cooperation between Kuwait and Japan encompasses broad fields, most notably investment and economic exchange. He asserted that the relationship is distinguished and held in high esteem by the State of Kuwait, which is proud of its friendly relations and partnership with Japan. Regarding his diplomatic posting, he stated that serving Kuwait is a national duty for every citizen, affirming his readiness to serve the country in any capacity. He also touched on the remarkable diplomatic activity that Kuwait is witnessing, with the continuous visits of leaders and officials.

He said Kuwait is an important hub for strengthening positive relations between brotherly and friendly nations, as well as an active center for diplomacy and regional and international dialogue. Meanwhile, in his opening remarks at the event, Japanese Ambassador Mukai Kenichiro stressed that the celebration of Japan’s National Day, which coincides with the birthday of Emperor Naruhito, is a cherished occasion. He said the Emperor is the 126th Emperor of Japan and will celebrate his 66th birthday on Feb 23. He touched on the status of Japan–Kuwait relations in 2025, describing it as a year that witnessed notable progress in bilateral ties.

He highlighted key developments, including the visit to Japan by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, as well as the visit to Kuwait by the Japanese Foreign Minister and other officials. He affirmed his commitment to further strengthen this friendly relationship in various fields in 2026. He said the energy, electricity, clean energy and water sectors are promising opportunities for deepening cooperation by benefiting from the advanced technologies possessed by Japanese companies, thus, contributing to the realization of Kuwait Vision 2035.

He added that 2026 will witness more developments in new fields, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other advanced technologies. He stressed that the prospects for cooperation in these sectors hold increasing opportunities, hoping that Kuwait will invest in Japan to strengthen the partnership in these promising areas. He also expressed his enthusiasm for advancing bilateral relations through the promotion of Japanese food products, such as Japanese Wagyu beef, which recently entered the Kuwaiti market, as well as through sports and cultural exchange, citing the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya in 2026 and the International Horticultural Expo 2027 in Yokohama.

By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff