TOKYO: Nara, Japan’s first historic capital, celebrated the inauguration of the Japan-Oman Friendship Association, which was founded and registered in June 2017. The ceremony was attended by Khalid bin Hashel al Meselhi, Sultanate’s Ambassador to Japan as a guest of honour, Shinsuke Okuno, State Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, Kobayashi Shigeki, Member of House of Representatives and Sato Akio, member of the House of Councilors. Chi Taoata, the Association’s Chairperson, expressed her pleasure and that of the members of the Association to launch the Association, describing the relations between Japan and the Sultanate as ‘friendly and historic’.
She added that the Association in Nara province will promote relations between peoples of the two friendly countries through exchanging visits and various programmes. Khalid bin Hashel al Meselhi, Sultanate’s Ambassador to Japan expressed his thanks and appreciation for the efforts exerted by the members of the Association for more than eight years, which contributed to the formation, development and establishment of the friendship association.
He added that the establishment of the Association aims to achieve a noble concept based on friendship and respect. He also said “You have participated twice in the famous Muscat Festival and presented the Japanese culture to Oman. You also supported the Omani artist Nawaf al Zedjali to hold an art exhibition here. I also remember your support and contribution since 2014 to the members of the Oman Student Forum”.
Japan has a number of friendship associations with the Sultanate, which seek to strengthen relations between the two countries, such as the Japanese-Omani Association, whose Honorary Chairman is the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the Japanese-Omani Club in Tokyo, the Japan-Oman Friendship Association in Hiroshima Prefecture and the Japan-Oman Parliamentary Friendship Association.
The ceremony was attended by Ken Namikawa, Mayor of Tenri, members of the Nara Provincial Council, members of the Japan-Oman Friendship Association in Nara province and representatives of various local media. — ONA
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