Japan's ties with Oman unique, says envoy

Muscat Daily

22-02-2025

It is with great honour and warmth that I extend my greetings to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and the people of the Sultanate of Oman on the occasion of the 65th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, which is observed on February 23.
Japan and Oman share a profound and enduring relationship, one that has been nurtured over decades by mutual respect, understanding and trust. This bond is embodied not only in the historical ties between our nations but also in the meaningful connections between our imperial and royal families. As the Japanese community here in Oman expresses its respect and admiration for His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, we also convey our heartfelt wishes for the continued happiness and prosperity of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, whose leadership and vision are central to Oman's progress.
The relationship between Japan and Oman holds immense significance. It is both a privilege and a responsibility for us to honour this legacy and continue to deepen our cooperation. While 50 years ago, Japan may have been the only East Asian nation familiar to the Omani people, today, Oman engages with a range of countries across Asia. Nonetheless, Japan's ties with Oman remain unique, not only due to our long-standing history of collaboration but also because of the ongoing friendship between our imperial and royal families. I, for one, eagerly anticipate the opportunity for mutual royal and imperial visits in the near future. Such exchanges, whether His Majesty Sultan Haitham visits Japan or the Emperor visits Oman, will offer fresh perspectives on our shared history and open new avenues for future cooperation.
Japan and Oman share deep cultural and historical connections, particularly as maritime nations. Both countries have long recognised the importance of maritime security, which has become even more relevant in today's increasingly complex regional context. Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force operates actively in the region, and Oman continues to be a trusted partner in this vital area. The recent Indian Ocean Conference hosted in Muscat also offered a valuable opportunity to deepen our cooperation in maritime security and regional stability, particularly with the presence of the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Culturally, the ties between our two nations are flourishing. Last year, a group of Japanese manga artists, invited by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, visited Oman to share the art of manga creation with Omani audiences. More recently, the Oman Japan Friendship Association (OJFA) hosted a Japanese orchestra, whose performance at Royal Opera House Muscat was a testament to the growing cultural exchange between our countries. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the OJFA for its tremendous support in promoting Japanese culture here in Oman. It is truly encouraging to know that many Omani people are studying Japanese through the language courses offered by OJFA at Children's Public Library. This success is a direct result of the exemplary leadership of OJFA Chairman Sheikh Abdullah Mohamed Bahwan, as well as the longstanding dedication of the previous Chairman, Sheikh Mohammed Saud Bahwan.
'Ship for World Youth (SWY) Committee – Oman' also plays a vital role in connecting Japan and Oman. Through its efforts in fostering people-to-people connections, particularly after their participation in the SWY programme organised by the Japanese government, it is expanding and strengthening the human network between the two nations. This is evident in its events, such as Oman-Japan Day and SWY Weekend.
Additionally, thanks to the sultanate's proactive and strategic efforts in hosting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions/Conferences and Events/Exhibitions) activities, Japan and Oman have enjoyed a deepening relationship, including through sports. Events such as table tennis, hockey, golf and others have facilitated numerous visits by Japanese athletes to Oman. These interactions not only promote sportsmanship but also offer Japanese players the opportunity to engage with Oman's rich culture, while expressing their sincere admiration for the hospitality and warmth of the Omani people.
Japan's partnership with Oman is in line with Oman Vision 2040. At the heart of this vision lies a commitment to education and capacity building, areas where Japan is eager to contribute. The recent inauguration of the Third General Assembly of the International Science Council (ISC) in Muscat underscored the importance of education in Oman's development. At this event, two prominent Japanese figures – President of Japan Science Council and ISC Vice-President for Science and Society – highlighted the shared focus on advancing scientific and educational cooperation. In addition, Prof Kanehara, a distinguished international law expert, visited Oman to deliver a lecture at Oman Foreign Ministry's Diplomatic Academy, further reinforcing the academic exchanges between our two countries. At the student level, both the Japanese government and Japanese businesses offer scholarships to Omani students to study in Japan. These scholarships not only foster educational growth but also provide a solid foundation for shaping the future of our bilateral friendship.
Equally important is the growing economic partnership between our countries. Japan has worked closely with Oman in the energy sector for more than five decades, particularly in areas of crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Today, our cooperation is entering a new phase, with both nations exploring new opportunities in green hydrogen, ammonia and other environmentally friendly technologies. Japan is also particularly eager to support Oman's transition to green energy, recognising the country's leadership in pioneering hydrogen projects. With eight major hydrogen initiatives already underway, Japan is proud to be involved in two of them.
Furthermore, Japan and Oman share a common determination to pursue decarbonisation, a goal that is increasingly urgent as we face the realities of climate change.
Recent missions to Oman by Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East and the Japan Business Federation were resounding successes, thanks in no small part to the warm hospitality of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI). These visits allowed us to gain valuable insights into Oman's proactive approach to decarbonisation and economic diversification, and highlighted the country's comparative advantages, such as its peace, stability, strategic location and abundant renewable energy resources. Most importantly, these missions expanded our network of human connections, opening new possibilities for future collaboration. Discussions with H E Minister Qais Mohammed al Yousef of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion; H E Minister Salim bin Nasser al Aufi of Energy and Minerals; and Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas of OCCI, have revealed a shared focus on advancing initiatives such as the Japan-GCC Free Trade Agreement, the Japan-Oman Joint Crediting Mechanism and the upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai.
Oman's proactive engagement with Expo 2025 under the leadership of H H Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, is especially commendable. This event will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in expanding and diversifying business cooperation between our two nations, with sectors such as tourism, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and digital applications likely to benefit significantly.
On the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the Emperor's birthday, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all those who, through their admiration for Japan, contribute to the strengthening of the bonds between our countries. Finally, I would like to convey my best wishes for the continued success and prosperity of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and the people of Oman.
Message from H E Jota Yamamoto, Ambassador of Japan to Oman