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Yomiuri Shimbun
3 days ago
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Ishiba Using Expo as Opportunity to Meet World Leaders, Improve Diplomacy
The Yomiuri Shimbun Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, right, shakes hands with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith before their meeting on Thursday at the Prime Minister's Office. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is stepping up his 'Expo diplomacy' with world leaders visiting Japan for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. The United States' tariff policy has escalated conflict between Washington and Beijing, tasking Japan with further cooperation with the Global South. Ishiba is taking advantage of Japan being the host of the Expo – which is bringing more than 100 foreign dignitaries to the country – with an aim of enhancing the nation's presence and building personal trust. Ties with developing countries 'We want to place greater emphasis on relations with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law,' Ishiba told Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith on Thursday. The United States has imposed 48% tariffs on Laos. In the talks, Ishiba highlighted Japan's contribution to Laos' economic growth. On the same day, Ishiba also met with the leaders of Tanzania and Kuwait at the Prime Minister's Office. During his meeting with Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Ishiba touched on an episode when he was Defense Agency director general, in which Kuwait provided the Self-Defense Forces with a base of operations in Iraq. Ishiba then said Japan would like to strengthen the bilateral relationship. As of Thursday, Ishiba had met with 17 foreign dignitaries since the Expo opened in April. Up until the closing day in October, the prime minister will meet world leaders who visit Japan for their National Day at the Expo. National Days are a showcase of each country's culture and are held almost daily. 'The Expo is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deepen strategic ties with small and medium-sized countries that we have limited chances to visit diplomatically,' a senior Foreign Ministry official said. Gain experience The Expo is a valuable opportunity for the prime minister to gain diplomatic experience too, after being criticized for inexperienced conduct such as greeting others with a two-handed handshake when he first took office. According to those close to Ishiba, he checks out the Foreign Affairs magazine from the National Diet Library and has been studying late into the night to familiarize himself with the situations in various countries. Ishiba reportedly told those around him: 'The Expo is a good opportunity. We can convey Japan's importance to countries sandwiched between the United States and China.' He seems to grow more confident with each day of meetings. During a meeting Wednesday with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, who studied in Japan, the two leaders spoke in Japanese without an interpreter, and Ishiba created a relaxed mood by calling the meeting 'historic.' Ishiba is expecting U.S. President Donald Trump's visit on July 19, which coincides with the Expo's U.S. National Day. However, there is no clear prospect of this happening. Ishiba's diplomatic skills will be put to the test in the current Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations in which leaders may be required to come up with a breakthrough at some point in June.
Asahi Shimbun
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Asahi Shimbun
South Korean culture, history get day to shine at Osaka Expo
A parade modeled on Korean diplomatic missions during the Edo Period marches below the Grand Ring in Osaka's Konohana Ward on May 13. (Hiyori Uchiumi) OSAKA—A historical parade and other events to celebrate South Korea's 'National Day' highlighted the festivities at the Osaka Kansai Expo on May 13, one month after the expo's opening. To promote international exchanges, countries participating in the world's fair will hold individual National Days to present their culture and history at the expo venue in Osaka's Konohana Ward. On South Korea's day, a parade modeled on diplomatic missions from the Joseon Dynasty to Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1867) departed from outside the Korean Pavilion. The procession of people dressed in colorful court uniforms marched below the Grand Ring, the symbol of the expo. After the parade, an official ceremony was held. South Korean Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun gave a speech at the ceremony, saying, 'We hope this expo will become the starting point for South Korea and Japan to take initiatives together for the future of society over the next 50 years.'
Arab Times
24-02-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait opens second phase of waterfront project just in time for National Day celebrations
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 24: The Tourism Enterprises Company has announced the opening of the second phase of the waterfront beautification project, coinciding with the State of Kuwait's celebrations of National Days. The second phase spans 5 kilometers, starting from Green Island to the Yacht Club in Salmiya. The official ceremony was sponsored by the Governor of the Capital, Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al-Ali, and attended by Hamoud Al-Falah, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tourism Enterprises Company, along with Acting CEO Abdullah Al-Jaafar. Representatives from the Tourism Enterprises Company, investing companies along the waterfront, and the media were also present. The waterfront is one of Kuwait's most prominent tourist and entertainment destinations, divided into two phases. The first phase extends from the Kuwait Towers to Green Island and opened in February 2024, while the second phase runs from Green Island to the Grand Mosque. Thanks to its strategic location along Arabian Gulf Street, the waterfront offers a variety of facilities and services to meet the needs of all members of society. These include public beaches, children's play areas, and fully-equipped sports facilities. Additionally, the area features a wide range of restaurants and cafes, which enhance the visitor experience and add a unique charm to the site. The project also includes 12.4 kilometers of jogging tracks and a dedicated 15.4-kilometer bicycle path along the waterfront. The company has prioritized sustainability, replacing traditional lighting poles with solar-powered ones and adding 40 electric car charging stations from the Dutch brand ALFEN, strategically placed throughout the project. Furthermore, 4,000 parking spaces have been renovated to improve accessibility and provide a more comfortable experience for all visitors. In addition to the waterfront's recreational spaces, the Tourism Enterprises Company has rehabilitated the beaches to serve as multi-use venues for events year-round. The company has also worked on restoring the natural landscape by removing harmful Conacarpus trees and replacing them with new trees and plants suited to Kuwait's climate. The company has added artistic elements to the waterfront, including artwork reflecting Kuwait's culture and ecosystem. New benches, columns, barriers, and signboards have been installed throughout the area. The project also features models of ships inspired by Japanese origami, designed in the shape of Kuwaiti currency, as well as displays of the name "Kuwait" in both Arabic and English. Hamoud Al-Falah, Vice Chairman of the Tourism Enterprises Company, emphasized that the opening of the second phase of the waterfront project demonstrates the company's commitment to developing tourism and entertainment facilities that align with the aspirations of citizens, residents, and visitors. He noted that the project supports Kuwait's position as a distinguished tourist destination by developing integrated, modern facilities that cater to all needs, in line with Kuwait Vision 2035. Al-Falah added that the project helps stimulate the local economy by attracting more visitors, revitalizing the hospitality and services sectors, and offering promising investment opportunities for both local and international institutions. 'This project marks a significant addition to Kuwait's tourism landscape,' Al-Falah said. 'We designed the second phase with sustainability and quality in mind, ensuring that environmental elements and clean energy were incorporated at every stage. Modern technologies have also been utilized for managing the infrastructure and facilities.' Al-Falah highlighted that the waterfront is not just a tourist attraction but a vital community space that meets the needs of diverse groups, including families, youth, and athletes. He emphasized that the company's ongoing development of future projects contributes to enhancing the quality of life in Kuwait. Al-Falah affirmed that the Tourism Enterprises Company will continue to work on developing tourism and entertainment destinations in the country, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability to offer exceptional experiences for visitors.
Arab Times
16-02-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Center hosts special events for National Holidays
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 16: Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Center (ASCC) announced on Sunday that it will host a series of events for all age groups in celebration of Kuwait's 2025 National Days. In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) following the flag-raising ceremony at the center, the center's supervisor, Wadha Al-Saeed, highlighted that the center's museums offer a variety of daily and weekly activities. These include cultural tours and events, which can be followed through the center's social media platforms. Al-Saeed explained that today's event was held in cooperation with the Hawalli Educational District. During the ceremony, the Kuwaiti flag was raised with the participation of Cub Scouts and Scouts from various schools within the district. The event aimed to promote the national identity. The ceremony took place at the center's main square, which features 350 flagpoles. The square also showcases the center's logo, which is proudly displayed above the museums. The entire area, covering 130,000 square meters, is adorned with the colors of the Kuwaiti flag, and this decoration will remain throughout February. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Center, one of the projects affiliated with the Amiri Diwan, is a cultural landmark that has earned numerous international awards. The center plays a significant role in spreading culture in all its forms, with the goal of raising awareness, fostering understanding, and keeping pace with the future.
