(April 6, 2006)

HRH Crown Prince's Visit Opens New Chapter

By Faisal Hassan Trad,  Ambassador of Saudi Arabia

I am honored to announce that His Royal Highness Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense, Aviation and Inspector General, began a historic three-day visit to Japan on April 5, 2006.

              This is the Prince’s first official visit to Japan since he became the Crown Prince. His first visit to Japan in 1960 in his capacity as Minister for Transportation and Communication, was the first Royal visit from Saudi Arabia to Japan, opened the pages of the history of the friendly ties between the two Royal families.

               Japan depends on Saudi Arabia for about one-third of its energy demand, and Japan is the Kingdom’s second largest economic partner. Saudi Arabia and Japan hold important positions in the world, especially in Asia, and the two countries’ efforts toward peaceful coexistence are highly regarded worldwide. 

              Japan highly values its ties with Saudi Arabia under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

              Furthermore, in a message His Excellency Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi sent on the occasion of the 50^th anniversary of entering into diplomatic relations, he mentions strong relations between the two countries and emphasizes the importance of strengthening these even further. Also, Prime Minister Koizumi places Saudi Arabia as a key presence among the members of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

               Saudi Arabia, which connects Arab and Islamic countries, is the most important country in the world in terms of energy resources. Saudi Arabia is also the greatest country in the world in regard to oil reserves and production.

               Peace and stability in the Middle East are very important, and taking an important role in the development of the world economy is also essential. Japan highly values Saudi Arabia’s efforts in this field.

               Saudi Arabia and its people have great respect for the Japanese nation, and relations between the two countries are very close. As Japanese peoples know, the guarantee of safe, continuous oil supplies from Saudi Arabia helped Japan to become an advanced and industrialized economy.

               Also, the fact that more than 2.5 million people visited the Saudi Arabian Pavilion during 2005 World Expo Aichi is clear evidence of the interest in Saudi Arabia by the Japanese people.

               I am sure H.R.H. Crown Prince’s visit to Japan will open a new chapter towards the building of strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Japan. Relations based on mutual respect, common interest and work, and dedications toward the peace and stability of the whole world will bring benefit and prosperity to the world in general, especially to the people of our two countries.