H.H. Sheikh Mohamed holds talks with Japanese PM in UAE

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has begun his official visit to the UAE.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, met the Japanese leader at Abu Dhabi Airport, before he headed on to Qasr Al Watan to be greeted at an official reception ceremony by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

He was also welcomed by groups of children waving UAE and Japanese flags.

Following the reception, the UAE President and Prime Minister Hishida underscored the strength of UAE-Japan relations during a meeting at the Palace.

His Highness expressed confidence the visit will consolidate the longstanding partnership between the two nations and support their shared vision for a sustainable and prosperous future.

His Highness also noted that last year the two sides celebrated the 50th anniversary of the official establishment of diplomatic ties, while 2022 also saw the announcement of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The UAE President then accompanied the Prime Minister to inspect the guard of honour and witness the national anthems of both countries, and a 21-gun salute was sounded to mark the visit.

Earlier, in a letter to the national news agency WAM, Kishida recognised the 50-year strategic partnership with the UAE, which has boosted sectors like oil, infrastructure, education and defence. 

He highlighted Japan's role in the UAE's infrastructure development, including the Dubai Metro and seawater desalination plants. 

Kishida also acknowledged expanding space cooperation between the two nations and expressed support for the UAE's climate change efforts as it prepares to host COP28.

#UAE President welcomes Japanese PM at official reception ceremony #WamNews https://t.co/LwfTOn01In pic.twitter.com/yqsczodwOD

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) July 17, 2023