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Since the official establishment of their diplomatic relations on May 7th, 1972, and with a backdrop of nearly 400 years of friendly contacts between them, the Sultanate of Oman and Japan have shared friendly political and diplomatic relations for multiple decades.
The growing interaction and cooperation between the two governments has been reflected in various areas over the years.
The exchange of diplomatic representation in both capitals began with the opening of the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Tokyo, and the Embassy of Japan in Muscat in April 1979 and October 1980 respectively. The two missions played an important and vital role in the development of the bilateral relations. Another important catalyst in the early development of courteous relations was the establishment of the Japan-Oman Friendship Society in Tokyo in September 1973, and the Oman-Japan Friendship Association in Muscat in March 1974.
The important exchanges of high-ranking official visits from members of the royal families, senior government officials, members of parliament, and business and academic leaders has also played a fundamental role in strengthening this bilateral relationship and paving the way for growing exchanges and cooperation in many areas. This includes energy and water, trade and industry, investment, finance, human resources and infrastructure development, tourism, culture, science and education, security, and environment.
Several high-profile visits in particular have further strengthened the friendly relationship between Oman and Japan.
From the Japanese side, notable visits to Oman include the 1994 visit by Their then Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Princess, H.E. Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu in 1990, and H.E. Deputy Prime Minister Shin Kanemaru in 1991. From Oman, the visits of H.H. Sayyid Thuwaini bin Shihab Al Said, Personal Representative of H.M. in 1989, H.H. Sayyid Faisal bin Ali Al-Said in 1990, H.H. Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al-Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers in 1997, and H.M. Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, the then Minister of Heritage and Culture, in 2002 and 2008. These and other ministerial exchanges by both sides have helped to enhance understandings of each other’s cultures and traditions.
Frequent exchanges and political consultations between the two country’s foreign ministries, both at the ministerial and senior official levels have taken place in Tokyo and Muscat as well as at various international forums. The two governments cofounding the Middle East Desalination Research Center within the framework of the Middle East peace process, and their support of one another within the United Nations are excellent examples of this international cooperation. These kinds of discussions have contributed to advancing the mutual understanding and exchange of opinions on various regional and international issues.
Oman and Japan have also forged strong ties through the cooperation of their respective navies. The Sultanate has become an important supply base for vessels of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) operating in the Indian Ocean, and has also welcomed the training squadron during their annual tour. This has led to the enhancement of the security relationship between Oman and Japan. Furthermore, given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz through which Japan receives upwards of 80% of its oil, further cooperation in this area is of the utmost importance.
In an increasingly globalizing world, the various associations and bonds formed between countries will become as important as ever. As the following chapter will undoubtedly show, both Japan and Oman have continued to strive in their mutual pursuit of global safety, peace and security.