Newsletter No. 295
News-Analysis
June 5, 2006

 

The following report appeared several days ago in the Kuwait News Agency website and in the Kuwait Times.

KUWAIT AND JAPAN PLAN TO FORGE A NEW BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP

FUKUOKA, Japan: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Ghassan Al-Zawawi became the first-ever Arab envoy to visit here to meet Fukuoka Governor Wataru Aso, head of Japan's 47 prefectural governors' association, to forge a new bilateral relationship. During the meeting at Aso's office in Fukuoka, which boasts Japan's nearest main port to the Gulf states, Al-Zawawi and Aso discussed the possibility of bilateral cooperation on a energy project in the prefecture, where the world's first hydrogen-fuel research institution is set to open. Joined by the researchers in and outside Japan and sponsorship from some 180 companies including giant Toyota Motor Corp., massive research and development on hydrogen application will be conducted from fiscal 2006.

The two sides also discussed economic cooperation between the two countries, especially investment opportunities in Kuwait. The ambassador stressed that his country is considered to be a major investment hub to Iraq and a safe place for foreign firms to conduct business in Iraq. The two also expressed hope that new Iraqi government gains control, reaffirming their commitment to the country.

Referring to record-high oil prices, Aso, President of Japan's National Governors Association, sought Kuwait's support in stabilizing the oil markets in order to support the development of the world economy.

The Kuwaiti ambassador spoke highly of Japan's role for its participation in the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, saying, "Peoples of the two countries enjoy a long history of friendly relationship and Kuwait is fully prepared to deepen ties with Japan and expand bilateral cooperation."

In a separate meeting with Mayor Hirotaro Yamasaki, the mayor appreciated Al-Zawawi's visit to the city of Fukuoka, the biggest city in southern Japan. "I am pleased that Kuwait has an interest in our city. As one of Japan's old cities which has engaged in exchanges with the outside world, Fukuoka is keen to strengthen ties with the Middle East and other Asian countries," the mayor said. Yamasaki also asked the ambassador to assist Fukuoka's bid to host the 2016 summer Olympic Games.

Fukuoka and Tokyo have expressed their wish to host the 2016 Games, and a domestic candidate moving on to the international bidding process is expected to be picked up in August.

Al-Zawawi told Yamasaki that his visit is just the first step toward a long and friendly relationship between the city and Kuwait, adding that he is ready to take the initiative in achieving a new Kuwait-Japan partnership.