Japanese Ambassador commends successful official visit of HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister to Japan
Manama, Sept. 21 (BNA): Okai Asako, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Bahrain welcomed the successful official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to Japan.
She said the visit marked a significant milestone in the enduring and friendly relations between Japan and Bahrain, further demonstrating the shared commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral cooperation.
On 18 September, His Royal Highness attended the official celebration of Bahrain National Day at the Osaka–Kansai Expo. The event provided a vibrant platform to present Bahrain’s cultural heritage and traditional values to the Japanese public through exhibitions and artistic performances, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people ties.
On 19 September, His Royal Highness was received in audience by His Majesty Emperor Naruhito and His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Akishino. The Ambassador noted that these engagements reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial ties between the Imperial and Royal Families, which continue to underpin bilateral friendship, trust, and mutual respect.
His Royal Highness also held a meeting with His Excellency Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, during which both leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations from a comprehensive partnership to a strategic partnership. The Ambassador emphasised that this upgraded framework reflects the shared aspiration to expand cooperation across a wide range of fields, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to advancing mutual interests and addressing global challenges.
Following the meeting, a number of Memoranda of Understanding were signed in key areas, including space exploration, digital transformation, human resource development in the public sector, and the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH). An amendment to the existing air services agreement was also concluded. Several of these agreements were signed in the presence of both leaders, highlighting their strategic significance and the mutual commitment to advancing cooperation.
His Royal Highness also met with Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya to exchange views on regional and international developments and to discuss prospects for further bilateral cooperation.
In addition, His Royal Highness held a meeting with representatives of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai), where discussions focused on strengthening economic relations between the two countries by promoting private sector partnerships, expanding trade, and creating new opportunities.
Ambassador Okai expressed confidence that the visit has further solidified the strategic partnership between Japan and Bahrain and will serve as a catalyst for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.
