Message from the Sultanate of Oman Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sayyid Badr bin Hamad AlBusaidi

In 2022 Oman and Japan celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations. But the links between the two countries actually go back more than 400 years – to 1619 when a Japanese Christian passed through Muscat while on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

In 1880, the first Japanese naval vessel visited Muscat, and in 1924, a Japanese geographer visiting Muscat was granted an audience with Sultan Taimur. This exchange prompted the Sultan to visit Japan in 1935, after his abdication. Sultan Taimur then married a Japanese woman, Kiyoko Oyama and the couple lived for some years in Kobe with their daughter, Princess Buthaina.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972, relations between the two countries have deepened, notably in the political, economic, and cultural fields. There have been numerous visits between high-level officials and a Sultan Qaboos Chair has been established at the University of Tokyo.

Trade between Japan and Oman has grown dramatically. Japan is now a major buyer of Omani oil and gas, whilst Oman imports a wide range of Japanese goods, including cars and electronics.

Japan is a founding member of the Middle East Desalination Research Center in Muscat. Established in 1996 as part of the Middle East Peace Process, this reflects Oman and Japan’s shared vision for peace and their commitment to dialogue.

In 1994 Their Imperial Highnesses the then Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Japan visited Oman, where they were received by the late Sultan Qaboos.

He presented them with a gift of pedigree Arabian horse named Ahazeej. Ahazeej became a favourite in the Japanese Imperial Stable, and at a New Year poetry reading in 2001, His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince recited a poem about “Ahazeej”: “Galloping across the grassy plain, her mane streaming - The Arabian horse arrived, crossing the high seas.” The descendant of Ahazeej occupy a treasured place in the Imperial Stables – a living symbol of the friendship between Japan and Oman.

In 2019 His Highness Sayyid Assad, the grandson of Sultan Taimur and the nephew of Princess Buthaina, represented Oman at the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito.

Over the next fifty years, Oman and Japan are set to take their relations and cooperation to new heights, especially in the fields of energy, renewable energy, and green hydrogen. Growing direct investment promises significant benefits for both countries.

On this happy occasion, I would like to offer my sincere congratulations, and to take this opportunity to reaffirm our continued and steadfast support for this friendly and cooperative relationship. May it continue to flourish in the decades to come.