Latest news with #MukaiKenichiro
Kuwait News Agency
31-07-2025
- Business
- Kuwait News Agency
Amb. Mukai: Kuwaiti participation in Tokyo Conf. on African Development "important"
KUWAIT, July 31 (KUNA) -- The Kuwaiti participation in the upcoming Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) is important, and falls within the framework of strengthening bilateral development cooperation, Ambassador of Japan to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro said on Thursday. The TICAD 9 will be held in Yokohama, Japan, from August 20 to 22, 2025, under the theme "Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa." In a press release by the Japanese Embassy, Ambassador Mukai affirmed that the collaboration between Japan and Kuwait was especially important in the context of TICAD 9, expressing a warm welcome to the upcoming participation of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) in the conference. He added, "On the occasion of the successful visit of His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to Japan, in May 2025, (a) Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on international cooperation between Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) was signed to strengthen cooperation in the field of development." He said that the Kuwaiti participation in the conference represents "the first meeting focused on development since the signing of the MoC between our nations, which is essential for sharing visions and finding the next step for further practical collaboration." The ambassador affirmed that the areas of cooperation "will include exchanging information and best practices, conducting consultations, and jointly identifying potential projects, and so on." "The MoC also provides a foundation for various activities and collaborations, such as jointly aiding third countries in the region including Africa and delivering capacity-building workshops in Japan," he stated. "Furthermore, the participation of KFAED, which has extensive knowledge and experience in the development sector in Africa and other regions, will further enhance the influence and importance of TICAD 9 in bringing resilient and sustainable growth to Africa." He asserted, "Japan will continue to further deepen the partnership with Kuwait and relevant stakeholders and undertake efforts for a sustainable future in Africa and the world." He added, "With the renewed partnership between JICA and KFAED, we envision that this cooperation will contribute meaningfully to addressing economic, social and environmental challenges and realizing a sustainable development in the African continent to strengthen the partnership between the two countries." TICAD is a long-standing international conference and platform led by the Japanese government since 1993. It is focused on promoting Africa-led sustainable development under the two principles, African ownership and international partnership, in the priority areas of human capital development, human security, private sector-led growth, and quality infrastructure. TICAD provides an opportunity for a wide range of stakeholders, including African countries and development partners such as regional and international organizations, donor countries, the private sector, academia and civil society organizations, to discuss how to respond to regional and international complex challenges. TICAD plays a vital role in uniting various nations and organizations for promoting development in Africa, with Japan playing a central role in hosting the forum. Simultaneously, Japan has been actively developing cooperative relationships with key international partners, notably the pivotal partnership with Kuwait, to amplify the impact of cooperation in Africa. (end) gta
Kuwait Times
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Japan and Kuwait promote Middle East peace
Mukai Kenichiro, Ambassador of Japan to Kuwait Peace and stability in the Middle East are extremely important to Japan and to the world. Since the beginning of the recent crisis which started on June 13th in the region, Japan has consistently called on all concerned parties to exercise maximum restraint and to work toward de-escalation. Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and to resolve Iran's nuclear issue during the G7 Summit meeting on June 16th. Japan sincerely hopes that the ceasefire agreement reached on June 24th will be faithfully implemented and will lead to reopening the path to dialogue with regard to Iran's nuclear issue. As the only country in the world that suffered atomic bombings, Japan has actively worked to strengthen the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. Japan has taken various opportunities to share the Japanese position with the countries concerned, including (Zionist entity), and urge those countries to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). In the meantime, Japan has consistently expressed serious concern over Iran's nuclear issue, reaffirming that Iran's development of nuclear weapons must never be allowed for the sake of maintaining the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. Japan and Kuwait share and always emphasize the importance of diplomacy. Amid the increasingly complex Middle East situation, Japan places great importance on its long-standing friendship with Kuwait. Kuwait, as a trusted mediator and advocate for dialogue in the Gulf region, has played a prominent role. During the recent crisis, Kuwait took proactive diplomatic steps as the Chair of the GCC. This leadership deserves high praise. In May 2025, when His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled visited Japan and held talks with Prime Minister Ishiba, Minister Ishiba expressed his respect for Kuwait's significant role in promoting regional peace and stability as GCC Chair, and both sides reaffirmed their commitment to cooperating toward long-term peace and stability in the region. As the Ambassador of Japan to the State of Kuwait, I hope to make efforts to strengthen cooperation between Japan and Kuwait towards rebuilding trust in the region through dialogue. Under the framework of the 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,' which was announced during His Highness's visit, Japan will expand its cooperation with Kuwait in a wide range of fields, in energy security, humanitarian assistance, and the promotion of international dialogue. Kuwait's extensive diplomatic experience and regional influence enable it to serve as a valuable partner to Japan's diplomatic efforts. Military confrontation only breeds distrust and destruction, which is not the future we seek. Based on the strong Japan-Kuwait relationship, Japan will continue working together with Kuwait, the current GCC Chair, to make constructive contributions to peace and prosperity in the Middle East, guided by mutual respect and cooperation.
Arab Times
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Al-Jarallah, Japanese envoy discuss aspects to boost media cooperation
KUWAIT CITY, June 22: Dean of Kuwaiti Journalism Ahmed Al-Jarallah, the Editor-in-Chief of Al-Seyassah and Arab Times newspapers, met with Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro in his office on Sunday. During the friendly visit, they discussed various aspects of media cooperation between the two sides and ways to strengthen it in the coming period. They talked about several regional and international issues of mutual interest, as well as the important role that the press plays in strengthening relations between peoples, particularly through effective and balanced media coverage. Kenichiro expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts exerted by Al- Seyassah and Arab Times newspapers in covering the activities of the Japanese Embassy, and highlighting the importance of bilateral relations between Kuwait and Japan. He affirmed that the Kuwaiti press plays an important role in strengthening the bonds of understanding and rapprochement between the two countries. Al-Jarallah welcomed the visiting ambassador while praising the level of Kuwaiti-Japanese relations and the role of the embassy in supporting cultural and media initiatives. He emphasized the commitment of the Kuwaiti press, particularly Al-Seyassah and Arab Times newspapers, to an approach of openness and cooperation with diplomatic missions in the country. Second Secretary at the Embassy Rie Kurihara, Managing Editor of the Arab Times Marlon Aquino Malinao, and colleague Mohammad Al-Farhan also attended the meeting. They engaged in an extensive discussion about the importance of cooperation between the media and embassies in forging mutual understanding and depicting a true picture of the political, cultural and economic reality.
Kuwait Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Crown Prince to visit Japan in first visit of its kind since 2016
Ambassador Mukai Kenichiro KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, is scheduled to make an official visit to Japan — marking the first high-level Kuwaiti visit to the country since 2016, when former Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah visited. "I am honored that Japan has been chosen as the destination for the first bilateral visit by His Highness Crown Prince," said Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro on Tuesday. During the visit, His Highness the Crown Prince is expected to meet with Emperor Naruhito and Crown Prince Fumihito. These meetings aim to reinforce the longstanding ties between the Japanese Imperial Family and Kuwait's ruling family. The itinerary also includes a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, during which both sides will discuss bilateral relations and key regional issues. "I am confident that this visit will be a unique opportunity for the dramatic development of Kuwait-Japan relations." His Highness the Crown Prince and the accompanying delegation are expected to depart Malaysia to Japan Wednesday, on an official visit to the Japanese capital Tokyo and the city of Osaka.
Kuwait Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Japan invites Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities
Envoy highlights potential for business growth at Japan-Kuwait Business Diwaniya KUWAIT: Kuwaiti entrepreneurs and investors are encouraged to explore business opportunities in Japan, said Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro on Sunday, ahead of the 'Japan-Kuwait Business Diwaniya.' Speaking to KUNA, Ambassador Mukai expressed Japan's openness to Kuwaiti business ventures, particularly through supportive visa schemes for foreign entrepreneurs, such as those available in the city of Fukuoka. 'This is a good opportunity for Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to start businesses in Japan,' he stated. The ambassador noted that Kuwaiti cuisine received positive feedback from Japanese visitors during the ongoing Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai. 'This could create an opening for Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to consider launching ventures in Japan—not only in cuisine but in broader cultural sectors as well,' he added. Touching on broader economic ties, Ambassador Mukai affirmed the strength of Kuwaiti-Japanese relations. 'Our business and trade ties continue to grow, particularly as Kuwait plays a critical role in Japan's energy security through its supply of crude oil,' he remarked. Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro Al-Sayer Group CEO Mubarak Al-Sayer During his remarks at the Diwaniya, the ambassador encouraged Kuwaiti companies to consider investments in Japanese sectors, especially in advanced technology. He highlighted such cooperation as essential in supporting Kuwait's efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the oil sector by 2050. Ambassador Mukai also noted that the Diwaniya serves as a platform to revitalize the 'Japan-Kuwait Business Committee,' praising the role of major Japanese firms—including Mitsubishi, Toshiba, JERA, and others—for their contributions to vital infrastructure projects in Kuwait such as Al-Subiya, Al-Zour, and Doha power plants. He further revealed ongoing discussions between the two countries aimed at forging a bilateral agreement for unique culinary collaborations. For his part, Mubarak Al-Sayer, CEO of Al-Sayer Group, emphasized the company's longstanding role as a commercial bridge between Japan and Kuwait through its extensive importation of Japanese goods and brands. He called for greater support from the Japanese government to enhance cooperation across trade, education, industry, and healthcare. Al-Sayer also highlighted the potential benefits of Japanese expertise in helping Kuwait address environmental and urban development challenges through technological collaboration, paving the way for a sustainable future. He concluded by urging the Japanese government to consider granting visas on arrival for Kuwaiti citizens, a step he said would significantly boost bilateral ties. — KUNA
