H.E. Mr. Jiro Kodera, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, hosted the National Day Reception of Japan to celebrate 81th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, Akihito. Many Saudi government officials and guests from different sectors as well as representatives from diplomatic corps attended the reception held at Ambassador’s residence. H.R.H. Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Governor of Riyadh attended the reception representing the government of Saudi Arabia. Dr. Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al-Jasser, Minister of Economy and Planning honored the Embassy by attending.
Ambassador Kodera said “Japan and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed friendly relations over the last 60 years. In particular, the Japanese Imperial Family and the Saudi Royal Family have maintained cordial relationship. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz officially visited Japan earlier this year. Luckily enough, I closely witnessed the visit in Tokyo as the Ambassador. This visit renewed my belief that Japan and Saudi Arabia will expand their oil-based, economy-oriented relations into the comprehensive partnership. In other words,we will ‘collaborate’, and ‘co-prosper & co-exist’ in all areas, and at the same time we value ‘harmony & tolerance’ in our relations. I am really happy to have had a chance to work as the Ambassador of Japan in this great and wonderful country. I appreciate very much warm friendship and sincere cooperation extended to me by all of you. I will cherish to memory of working together with you”. He further pointed out “ the coming year 2015 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Japan-Saudi diplomatic relations. We will exert as much effort as possible to make this special year memorable. Please feel free to visit our Embassy and our event in Saudi Arabia, and join us for accelerating our momentum toward the comprehensive partnership”
Ambassador concluded his speech by wishing the best of health and prosperity for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Saudi people.
Every year Embassy of Japan holds various cultural events to introduce modern and traditional Japanese culture on the occasion of National Day. The honorable Japanese calligrapher, Tosen Usuda, demonstrated the stroke of brush for H.R.H. Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Governor of Riyadh and his delegation. It is worth mentioning that Mr. Usuda and his accompanying delegation (Shuya Yamada, distinguished Japanese calligrapher and Shinkichi Okada, Secretary General of Association International Advancement Calligraphic Culture) also visited last year and made the same demonstration at National Day Reception.
Traditional art crafts sent by the Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries and Toyone Village, which has become a friendship partner of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since EXPO 2005 was held in Aichi prefecture was exhibited. The Embassy also exhibited memorial photos that explain the history of bilateral relationship between Japan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the past 60 years.