Highlighting JAPAN

Japan-Saudi Arabia Summit Meeting

On 13 March 2017 Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a summit meeting with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Prime Minister Abe and King Salman welcomed the formulation of the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030. Prime Minister Abe stated that it will be meaningful to ensure that the reform of the two countries’ strategies are interconnected organically in a manner that enhances the diversity, innovativeness and soft value of their economies and societies. Prime Minister Abe expressed his intention to promote steadily ambitious cooperation in line with the guidance set out in the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030, including through the implementation of the thirty-one priority projects. Furthermore, the Prime Minister stated that Japan also hopes to contribute to realizing the special economic zones concept which presents a model for Saudi Arabia’s economic reform. In relation to this, the Prime Minister asked King Salman to ensure the safety of Japanese expatriates in Saudi Arabia, who play a central role in deepening bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Abe and King Salman exchanged views on cooperation in the energy field. The King stated that Saudi Arabia is committed to stable supply of energy to Japan.

Prime Minister Abe and King Salman welcomed the entry into force of the Japan-Saudi Arabia investment agreement that will contribute to further strengthening trade and investment relations. In addition, the Prime Minister requested that Saudi Arabia promptly lift restrictions on the import of Japanese food products. King Salman explained that he intends to continue consideration at an expert level on this matter for the benefit of both countries.

As for cooperation in the political and security fields, Prime Minister Abe stated that he hopes to strengthen coordination in political and security fields, intends to hold vice foreign ministerial dialogue promptly, and hopes to promote defense cooperation based on the memorandum signed between the Deputy Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and Minister of Defense of Japan in September 2016. In relation to this, Prime Minister Abe welcomed the appointment of the first military attaché to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Tokyo.

Prime Minister Abe stated he appreciates Saudi Arabia’s efforts to tackle terrorism with multi-faceted measures and that Japan will make contributions in non-military fields such as humanitarian assistance with the conviction that “the best way is to go in the Middle” in dealing with the situation in the Middle East.

Memorial Ceremony Marking the Sixth Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake

On March 11, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Memorial Ceremony Marking the Sixth Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The ceremony was held in Tokyo in the presence of Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino.

Following the moment of silence, the Prime Minister delivered an address. This was followed by the address of His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino. Afterwards, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the House of Councillors, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court gave their memorial addresses. Representatives of the bereaved family members also delivered addresses, and then the participants offered flowers.