MUSCAT -- Bilateral trade between Oman and Japan topped $10 billion in 2008, underscoring the rapid strides the two friendly nations have made in their bilateral relationship, says Seiji Morimoto, Ambassador of Japan to the Sultanate. In the following Q&A, Morimoto lists the many important highlights that characterise ties between Oman and Japan:
How do you view the tremendous development of the relationship between Oman and Japan during the past years?
As the available records show, there was a contact between Japan and Oman more than three centuries ago in the 17th century. It was, however, with the accession to the throne of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos in 1970 that the relationship truly flourished. I am happy to note that the two countries have closely co-operated in numerous modernisation projects focused on the development of industrial and infrastructure-related facilities for the Sultanate, such as ports, roads and bridges -- as well as oil refineries, petrochemical factories and a shipping company.
I am also proud to say that Japan has practically attained the status of the number one trade partner for Oman, with volume reaching a peak of about $10 billion in 2008. For its part, Japan imports about 10 per cent of the nation's oil and gas supplies from Oman. Building upon such achievements, Japan and Oman are ready to further promote their future-oriented co-operation in such technologically advanced fields as renewable energies and energy saving, as well as in scientific research. I believe that Japan and Oman are now indispensable partners for each other in many fields.
Oman-Japan relationship receives strong support of the wise leadership of both countries. What are the major distinctive features of these relations?
One of the major distinctive features that defines our relations is that both Japan and Oman have maintained Royal Families which have been cherished in the long traditions of each country. The mutual respect and trust between the two Royal Families constitutes the backbone of the excellent relationship among citizens of Japan and Oman. I can say with pride that our leaders share the philosophy that the development of human resources is the foundation of nation-building. From that perspective we both emphasise the importance of education and empowerment of youth and women. I am also happy to share my conviction that, through the wise guidance of our leaders, the two countries have each achieved a modern democratic state; and yet each has maintained its own old traditions and heritage.
What is that so special in your view about the Omani people?
Oman once established a trading realm that encompassed the Indian Ocean Rim from Western Asia to Eastern Africa. I believe that, through contact with the many different cultures of the Rim, the Omani people have acquired a cosmopolitan spirit. That is why people in Oman are open-minded and friendly to foreigners. The hospitality that I encounter here and there in the country pleasantly surprises me and reminds me of the same kind of hospitality that we attach importance to in Japan.
What are the prospects of Oman-Japan relations in the forthcoming stage?
Although in geographical terms, Oman is the closest country in the Gulf to Japan, it is still psychologically quite remote for most of the Japanese people. I believe that, in addition to the exchange of goods and services, the exchange of people will be gaining more and more importance in the forthcoming stage of co-operation between our two countries. And in this connection, tourism could play a key role. Oman is rich in nature and cultural heritage which the Japanese tend to value. I sincerely hope that Oman Air will open direct flights to Japan in the near future in order to promote the exchange of people between our two countries. The exchange of youths is also important because it may broaden their horizons and bring some of the young people of Japan and Oman to a better mutual understanding. For that purpose I would like to continue to encourage exchange programmes including our national scholarship programmes, thus offering young Omani students various opportunities to get acquainted with Japan and its culture.
What is your main impression about the Sultanate during your tenure in Oman?
I feel lucky that my tenure coincides with the timing of the 40th anniversary of the accession of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos to the throne. It was a good opportunity for me as a foreign observer to look back on the path of the Blessed Renaissance. Having experienced the memorable speech of His Majesty at the Oman Council in Salalah as a great occasion of this auspicious year, I look forward to the grand commemorations in November.
At the same time, I have been able to take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate the anniversary together with Omani people by holding various cultural events. I still cannot forget the sensation that the fashion show, Hanae Mori Haute Couture -East Meets West, caused in Muscat. But an unforgettable event during my tenure that will be forever engraved in my heart is His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Chair for the Middle Eastern Studies which was established at the University of Tokyo on October 6, 2010. This gracious endowment of His Majesty will remain through all eternity as a symbol of our friendship.
To what extent has the Omani policy, in close co-operation with you country and the other concerned parties, contributed to enhancing peace, security and stability in the region and serving both mutual interests?
Oman possesses a geopolitical importance in the Gulf region. The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic international passageway, is within Omani territorial waters; and Japan imports about 80 per cent of the oil it needs through this gateway. The stability of the region is vital not only for Japan, but also for the whole world. The good neighbour policy of Oman is, I believe, a major contributor to the stability of the Gulf region. Japan highly values this peace-oriented policy. The strong initiative of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos to maintain the cohesion among the GCC countries supplements and reinforces this policy.
Thanks to the assistance given by the Omani Government, the fleet of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force has been engaged in the anti-piracy operation in the Gulf of Aden and off Somalia, which can be described as joint effort for regional stability. An economically prosperous Oman at the edge of the Arabian Peninsula is itself a big stabilising factor in the region. Under the wise guidance of its leadership, Oman has remained little affected by the world financial crisis stemming from the Lehman shock. Middle East peace is yet to be attained to bring the region more security and stability. I admire the supportive effort of the Omani Government to facilitate confidence-building in the multilateral peace process through the activities of the Middle East Desalination Research Center (MEDRC) whose headquarters is located in Muscat.
Any other comments?
I would like sincerely to thank the Omani media for their tremendous support of Japanese cultural events. This brings awareness and helps foster understanding and co-operation among all the communities resident in the Sultanate.
© Oman Daily Observer 2010
