Message from the Former Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hayashi Yoshimasa

Message from the Former Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hayashi Yoshimasa

Diplomatic relations between Japan and the Sultanate of Oman began in 1972, and 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of their establishment. I wish to celebrate this commemorative year with all stakeholders and to express my heartfelt congratulations on the publishing of this retrospective of our bilateral relations.

Oman is an important partner for Japan, with which we have realized a variety of initiatives, not only in relation to energy security, such as oil and liquefied natural gas, but also in fields such as infrastructure development and cultural exchange. In light of the recent challenging global energy situation, it is most welcome that Japan and Oman have signed a memorandum of cooperation to promote further cooperation in the field of energy.

Furthermore, Oman is located in a geopolitically important strategic point with access to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, and serves as an important port of call for various activities conducted by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to contribute to the stability of the region.

The global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the temporary suspension of exchanges among all countries, but vibrant people-to-people exchanges between Japan and Oman are now beginning to resume. Recently, H.E. Eng. Salim bin Nasser bin Said al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, paid a visit to Japan. In addition, H.E. Sheikh Salim Mustahail Al Mashani, Advisor at the Diwan of Royal Court, attended the state funeral for former Prime Minister ABE Shinzo. I strongly hope that Japan-Oman relations will continue to be further strengthened through a variety of exchanges, including among our private sectors and businesses.

In this way, over our 50-year history, we have seen the development of robust relations between Japan and Oman. I hope that the publishing of this commemorative book will contribute to a deeper understanding of our bilateral relations. I intend to continue to make every effort to promote the further development of the Japan-Oman relationship for the next 50 years to come.