The Embassy of the State of Kuwait

The Council of the Arab Ambassadors and Head of Delegations in Japan meets at the Embassy of the State of Kuwait

H.E the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Japan Mr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi headed the regular monthly meeting of the Council of the Arab Ambassadors and Head of Delegations in Japan held at the Embassy of the State of Kuwait on Friday the 13th of November, 2009. Matters related to the relations between Japan and the Arab countries and the latest preparations for the Japan-Arab Economic Forum to be held in Tokyo from the 6th till the 9th of December, 2009 were on the meeting’s agenda, during which, constructive discussions over the Council’s internal affairs were also conducted.

November 18, 2009 Kuwait''s PM sends invitation to Japanese counterpart

Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi conveyed the warmest regards from H.H.the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who took office in mid-September, . In his letter handed to Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirofumi Hirano, Japan's top government spokesman, Sheikh Nasser also extended an invitation to the Japanese premier to visit Kuwait for talks on strengthening bilateral relations under Japan's new government, . Sheikh Nasser congratulated Hatoyama on his Democratic Party of Japan's (DPJ) landslide victory in the August 30 Lower House election and his inauguration of the DPJ-led government, stressing his eagerness to further develop bilateral relations.
During his meeting with Hirano, which was also attended by Yoshikatsu Nakayama, Special Adviser to Hatoyama, the Kuwaiti ambassador called for greater cooperation and joint work with Japan. He also expressed hope that the Japanese leader will pay an official visit to Kuwait at the time he deems appropriate to discuss issues of common concern.

H.E. Mr Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi participates in the 2009 Kyoto Prize Banquet

H.E the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Japan Mr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi, has participated as a guest of honor at the 2009 Kyoto Prize Banquet that was held in Kyoto, in the presence of Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado and distinguished guests including former DPJ leader Mr. Ichiro Ozawa and a number of Ambassadors and Consuls General.

Organized by the Inamori Foundation, this prize is awarded each year to scientists, scholars and artists who have made sincere lifetime efforts. The 2009 Prize was granted to three scientists: Dr. Isamu Akasaki, Dr. Peter Raymond Grant, Dr. Barbara Rosemary Grant and to the musician and composer Mr. Pierre Boulez in recognition of their enthusiasms for their own works and their earnestness to carry out their missions.

November 5, 2009　Defense cooperation with Japan solid -- Sheikh Jaber

Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah said that the Kuwait-Japan defense cooperation is solid based on mutual understanding and moral principle.
Sheikh Jaber also showed his intention to further elevate bilateral ties in a wide range of fields from a strategic perspective.
In his talks with Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama at the Imperial Palace, Sheikh Jaber conveyed the message from His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah that extends an invitation to the Japanese premier to visit Kuwait. Hatoyama said he would make the appropriate arrangements for the trip.
"If the Japanese Prime Minister comes to Kuwait, I believe the two nations will discuss various important issues as a way to deepen bilateral relations," he said.
During nearly five years until December 2008, the Kuwaiti leadership and people actively offered logistic support and hospitality to the Japanese air force, which was based in Kuwait to carry out its humanitarian mission in Iraq.
Japan's air force executed more than 800 separate airlifts to Iraq without a single accident.
Earlier in the day, Japanese Emperor Akihito bestowed Imperial Decoration of "Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun" on Sheikh Jaber in a ceremony at the Imperial Palace in the presence of Hatoyama.
He was cited for his significant contribution to promoting political, diplomatic, and environmental exchange and mutual understanding between Kuwait and Japan.
The Imperial Order is awarded twice a year, and Sheikh Jaber is the only Arab who receives the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, Japan's highest-ranked decoration conferred on foreigners, in this fall's commemoration.
Established in 1875, the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun is Japan's oldest award and bestowed by the Emperor to outstanding individuals who have made enormous contributions to promoting ties with Japan.
The Japanese monarchy is the world's oldest continuous hereditary monarchy still in existence, which can be traced back some 1,600 years.
Sheikh Jaber arrived here Wednesday for his first official visit since November 2004.

November 5, 2009　Kuwait Embassy in Japan holds luncheon in honor of Sheikh Jaber

Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi hosted a luncheon on Thursday in honor of Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and his accompanying delegation at the embassy.
Earlier in the day, Sheikh Jaber was conferred by the Japanese Emperor with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, Japan's highest-ranked decoration conferred on foreigners.
"I deeply appreciate the honor. It is not only for me, but also for the entire Kuwaiti armed forces and the Kuwaiti people,", and renewed his commitment to promoting better understanding and elevating the bilateral cooperation.
"The award demonstrates Japan's acknowledgement of earnest efforts exerted by Sheikh Jaber to promote political, diplomatic, and environmental exchange and mutual understanding between the two countries," Al-Otaibi lauded, and congratulated Sheikh Jaber.
The luncheon was also attended by Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Masatoshi Muto.
Sheikh Jaber arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday for his first official visit here since November 2004.
In April 2007, then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Kuwait, and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah paid an official visit to Japan in July 2008. The two countries have agreed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations in 2011.

November 5, 2009　Kuwaiti Defense Minister conferred Japan''s highest decoration

Japanese Emperor Akihito on Thursday bestowed Imperial Decoration of "Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun" on Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah in a ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama handed Sheikh Jaber the certificate of the order.
The award demonstrates Japan's acknowledgement of his significant contribution to promoting political, diplomatic, and environmental exchange and mutual understanding between Kuwait and Japan.
The Imperial Order is awarded twice a year, and Sheikh Jaber is the only Arab who receives the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, Japan's highest-ranked decoration conferred on foreigners, in this fall's commemoration.
"I deeply appreciate the honor. It is not only for me, but also for the entire Kuwaiti armed forces and the Kuwaiti people," after the ceremony, and renewed his commitment to promoting better understanding and elevating the bilateral cooperation.
In a cordial conversation with Hatoyama, Sheikh Jaber conveyed the message from His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah that extends an invitation to the Japanese premier to visit Kuwait. Hatoyama responded that he will make the appropriate arrangements for this trip.
Sheikh Jaber was accompanied by his party and Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi and Major General Al-Humaidhi.
Established in 1875, the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun is Japan's oldest award and bestowed by the Emperor to outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting ties with Japan.
The Japanese monarchy is the world's oldest continuous hereditary monarchy still in existence, which can be traced back some 1600 years.
From March 2004 to December 2008, Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF), with 200 personnel and transport planes, was stationed at Kuwait's Ali Al-Salem Air Base and engaged in a non-combat airlift mission as part of Japan's efforts to help Iraq rebuild.
During its nearly five-year deployment, ASDF carried out more than 800 separate airlifts to Iraq without a single accident.
The Kuwaiti leadership and people extended the required strategic cooperation and hospitality to the air force in executing its humanitarian mission in Iraq smoothly.

November 5, 2009　Kuwait''s defense minister concludes crucial mission to Japan

Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah concluded his visit to Japan and left here to return home on Thursday.
At Tokyo's Haneda airport, Sheikh Jaber and his accompanying delegation were seen off by Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi and Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Masatoshi Muto, as well as Kuwaiti diplomats and Japanese Foreign Ministry officials.
Sheikh Jaber was conferred the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, Japan's highest-ranked decoration conferred on foreigners, by Japanese Emperor Akihito for his contribution to promoting political, diplomatic and environmental exchange and mutual understanding between the two countries. In a cordial conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama at the Imperial Palace during the conferment ceremony, Sheikh Jaber conveyed the message from H.H. the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah that extends an invitation to the Japanese premier to visit Kuwait, which Hatoyama responded that he will make the appropriate arrangements to realize his trip.
Sheikh Jaber expressed hope that the two nations will discuss various important issues as a way to further elevate alreadly friendly ties if the Japanese premier comes to Kuwait.

November 4, 2009　Ambassador to Japan says honoring DM in Japan is tribute to homeland

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense arrived here Wednesday and is to receive the state's highest honor, "which is testimony to relations with Kuwait and cause of pride for the homeland," said Ambassador to Japan Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi.
Emperor Akihito will bestow the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, Japan's highest-ranked decoration conferred on foreigners, to the minister "in appreciation to his great efforts in strengthening ties and in gratitude for the logistic support Kuwait offered Japan's Air Self-Defense Force from 2004 to 2008 as it served in Iraq," the diplomat said.
The ambassador added the minister is also being lauded for his great role in the field of environment protection and preservation.
Al-Otaibi said that Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak was informed of the decision of the Japanese government to grant him this honor in a letter delivered through the Japanese Prime Minister, Yukio Hatoyama.
This is an honoring of the people of Kuwait, and it would certainly boost the bilateral relations between the two friendly nations, the diplomat concluded.

November 4, 2009　Sheikh Jaber arrives in Tokyo to be honored by Emperor

Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah arrived here on Wednesday and is scheduled to attend a medal conferment ceremony at the Imperial Palace on Thursday, where Emperor Akihito will bestow on him the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, Japan's highest-ranked decoration conferred on foreigners.
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama will confer the certificate in the ceremony.
The Imperial Order is awarded twice a year, and Sheikh Jaber is the only Arab who receives the most prestigious honor in this fall's commemoration.
According to the Japanese government, the decision demonstrates its acknowledgement of Sheikh Jaber's significant contribution to promoting political, economic, and environmental exchange and mutual understanding between Kuwait and Japan.
Established in 1875, the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun is Japan's oldest award and bestowed by the Emperor to outstanding individuals who have made notable contributions to promoting ties with Japan.
The Japanese monarchy is the world's oldest continuous hereditary monarchy still in existence, which can be traced back some 1600 years.
Upon arrival, Sheikh Jaber was received by Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi and other diplomats from the Kuwaiti embassy, as well as Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Masatoshi Muto.
Al-Otaibi is expected to host a luncheon in honor of Sheikh Jaber and his delegation.
From March 2004 to December 2008, the Japanese air force, with 200 personnel and three C-130 transport planes, was stationed at Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait and engaged in a non-combat airlift mission as part of Japan's efforts to help Iraq rebuild.
During its nearly five-year deployment, the air force carried out more than 800 separate airlifts to Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq without a single accident.
The Kuwaiti leadership and people extended the strategic cooperation and hospitality to Japanese troops in executing its humanitarian mission in Iraq smoothly.
Sheikh Jaber last visited Japan in November 2004, when he also promoted cooperation with Japan in environmental areas as President of the High Council for environment.

October 27, 2009　The Embassy of the State of Kuwait participated in the 15th Charity Bazaar of the Nihon Chukinto Africa Funjinkai

The Embassy of the State of Kuwait participated in the 15th Charity Bazaar of the Nihon Chukinto Africa Funjinkai (The Japan Middle East Africa Ladies Group) at Royal Park Hotel in Tokyo. This Bazaar by this Group has been held every two years from 1981 to raise funds in order to help the people in need in Africa and the Middle East, as well as promote friendship between African, Arab and Japanese ladies. Spouse of Kuwait Ambassador Jamilah Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi participated in this charitable event and was in charge of both the handicraft and food booths, where traditional handicraft goods and delicious Kuwaiti cuisine were sold. Madame Jamilah, along with other newcomer Ambassadors’ wives, presented each country’s sweets and participated in the tea party with H.R.H. Princess Takamado. Princess Takamado visited the Kuwaiti pavilion, as well as other Embassies’ pavilion and had a very pleasant talk with Madame Jamilah. The Embassy hopes to continue to support and assist the Nihon Chukinto Africa Funjinkai’s activities in raising funds for help and promoting understanding and friendship between Arab and African region and Japan and wishes to participate in their next upcoming Bazaar.

Japan welcomes Sheikh Jaber''s visit

Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa welcomed Tuesday the upcoming visit to Tokyo by Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah slated for early November, where he will meet Emperor Akihito. Kitazawa's remarks came during his meeting with Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi earlier in the day. Kitazawa expressed gratitude to Kuwait for its support to the Japanese troops' reconstruction aid mission in Iraq, which had based in Kuwait.
Al-Otaibi showed his appreciation for this kind gesture which will be positive impact on the development of relations between the two countries at all levels, recalling the role of Japan's historic support of Kuwait and hopes to promote closer ties of friendship between Kuwait and Japan. Tuesday's meeting was accompanied by Kuwait's Third Secretary Faraj Al-Hajeri.

H.E. Mr Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi meets Parliamentarian Mr. Muneo Suzuki

H.E the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Japan Mr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi, accompanied by the Second Secretary Mr. Saad Al-Muhaini held a meeting on the 21st of October 2009 with Mr. Muneo Suzuki, lawmaker and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the New Party Big Earth. The ways to sustain and develop the historic relations between the State of Kuwait and Japan were at the heart of the discussions.

H.E. the Ambassador meets the new Chief of Protocol at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs

H.E. Mr Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Japan paid a visit to H.E. Mr Seiji Kojima to congratulate him on his new assignment as Chief of Protocol at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The discussions focused on the bilateral relations between Japan and the State of Kuwait and the ways to broaden them.

Emb-KWT Para-Olym games

The Embassy of the State of Kuwait paid high tribute and celebrated the successful performance of the Kuwaiti disabled (those with special needs) athletics team in the First Asian Young Disabled Games Championship held in Tokyo in September, 2009.
The Embassy was so delighted to celebrate the team’s reaping of 3 gold medals and 6 silver ones in this continental championship. The Kuwaiti team was challenging, displayed high skills, showed high sense of competitiveness and determination, and achieved prideful harvest. On this memorable occasion, H.E. Ambassador Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi received at his office on September 14th Mr. Nasser Fahd Al-Ajmi and the accompanying doctor of the Kuwait team, MD. Bassam Al-Qasrawi.
H.E. highlighted the big importance and unfailing support the State of Kuwait gives to its fellow citizens from among those with special needs (the handicapped people) who constitute an endeared layer of the national social texture endowed by the fatherly care of the national political leadership headed by H.H. Emir of the country May Allah continue to protect and bestow His Blessings upon him. H.E. Ambassador also hinted to H.H. the Emir’s commitment to reaching out to them, facilitating all the difficulties facing them, and providing them with all what they need for their smooth integration in the Kuwaiti society as an active human power in all sectors of the national development process, especially in the field of sports.
Besides, H.E. Ambassador praised the team players’ determination to embrace victory, which he considers important for holding high the name of the State of Kuwait in international competitions, especially as Disabled sports is given unfailing care by H.H. emir of the State of Kuwait and his well-steered government. He also stressed that the participation of the Kuwaiti disabled sports youth in this big Asian competition demonstrates that Kuwaiti sports has great and distinguished technical potential, and that the success achieved this time is a considerable incentive for more and better achievements in the future.
For its part, our team thanked and appreciated high the efforts, the importance, and the presence the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Tokyo generously displayed, stressing that this has encouraged and supported the team.
In the end of the games a closure ceremony was held, at which parts of Japanese folklore were performed as well as examples of the progress of this beautiful country were displayed.

Kuwaiti Ambassador holds Iftar for Muslim community in Tokyo September 11, 2009

Heads of Islamic centers in Japan lauded Kuwait's role in supporting Muslims around the world, out of belief in the message of peace that this religion carried. This came during an Iftar (fast-breaking meal) held by Kuwaiti Ambassador Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi for members of the Arabic-Islamic Institute, the Islamic Center of Japan, the Japanese Muslim Association, and the Islamic Waqf (endowment) Society in Japan. Arab and Muslim figures also attended the event. President of the Japanese Muslim Association Dr. Saleh Al-Samarraei lauded Kuwait's role in supporting Muslims around the world, and especially in Japan, noting that the first contribution made to the association in the 1960s was from Kuwait. He emphasized the generosity of the Kuwaiti government and people in this respect. Those present exchanged views over means to enlighten people here about Islam within the frame of Japanese laws, and to shed light on its teaching of tolerance and moderation. On his part, Ambassador Al-Otaibi said that Kuwait spared no effort in supporting Muslims around the world, out of belief in the message of Islam that called for respecting others regardless of their beliefs and religions.

Ramadan Fast-breaking Party & Gregean Tradition Celebrations

H.E. Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Japan Mr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi and his respected spouse held the embassy annual Ramadan fast-breaking Party at his residence last Saturday 5 September, 2009. Heads of Arab diplomatic missions in Tokyo, their families, and the embassy members attended the party.
This party also witnessed the embassy celebration of the Kuwaiti popular festive tradition of Gergean which falls on the 14th, 15th, and 16th of the Holy Month of Ramadan and whose celebrations starts after the fast-breaking time of these days.
H.E. ambassador and his respected spouse explained to the present this tradition which is one of the most important popular celebrations children await every year. In the past they used to celebrate it by counting the neighborhoods they would visit and the houses they would knock their doors, while their mothers would sew Gergean bags and buy sweets and nuts in preparation for this traditional occasion.
They also explained that the popular word Gergean means that which is mixed and variegated. Besides, H.E. Ambassador talked about the leading role of the State of Kuwait in extending help and assistance to the Muslim communities, its commitment to the Islamic unity, and its role in the international arena, making it the focus of the whole world. And he emphasized the importance of the unity of the Muslim community and its harmony with other communities in Japanese society.
H.E. Ambassador expressed his happiness with meeting Excellencies Heads of Arab diplomatic missions and their respected families in Tokyo on this occasion, which increases understanding and cooperation and strengthens social bonds especially in the Blest Holy Month of Ramadan.

H.E the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait meets Kuwaiti –Japanese Friendship Association’s Chairman

His Excellency Mr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait in Japan has met at his office on Monday, 17th of August 2009, newly appointed Chairman of the Kuwaiti – Japanese Friendship Association Mr. Kuniaso Takeda in the presence of Mr. Faraj Al-Hajeri, Third Secretary at the Embassy. The discussions focused on the bilateral economic relations between Japan and the State of Kuwait and the ways to broaden them to the commercial, cultural, legal and financial fields thus beyond the traditional cooperation based on the oil industry.

The Kuwaiti Water Polo in Tokyo, Japan

H.E. Mr Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi hosted a dinner reception in honor of the Kuwaiti Sports Delegation participating in the three water games competitions (swimming, diving and water polo) of the 6th AASF Asian Age Group Championships 2009 held in Japan with the participation of 24 countries.The Ambassador congratulated the players on winning the Silver medal in water polo against the Japanese team in a game which His Excellency was keen on watching.His Excellency also expressed his happiness and appreciation for the excellent performance of the players and presented his sincere congratulations to the Kuwaiti Diving Team winner of 5 medals: 1 Gold, 3 Silver and 1 Bronze, and especially to the Kuwaiti diver's Mr. Hussein Qallaf and Mr. Suleiman Al-Sabaa who won respectively the Silver medal and the Bronze medal in the 1 Meter Springboard Diving Competition for Men during the same championships.

August.13.2009
All Kuwaitis in Japan safe from quake and floods

All the Kuwaiti nationals in Japan are safe from recent powerful earthquake that struck central Japan, as well as typhoon-triggered floods in western region.
The Embassy has kept close contact with Kuwaiti nationals registered in Japan and confirmed that they are all safe and in good health. The Embassy also said Kuwaiti citizens traveling in Japan are strongly encouraged to notify the Embassy their whereabouts and contact numbers.
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 on the Richter scale jolted central Japan on Tuesday morning, killing at least one person, injuring more than 120 others. The quake was also felt in Tokyo.
Meanwhile, 18 people have died due to heavy rain in the wake of Typhoon Etau that slammed into Japan's west coast on Monday. Some 500 houses were flooded and nearly 2,300 people evacuated in Hyogo Prefecture, some 490 km west of Tokyo.

August.7.2009
Kuwaiti ambassador participates in Hiroshima bomb commemoration

Kuwait's Ambassador to Japan Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi participated in the commemoration of the 64th Hiroshima A-bomb anniversary, upon the invitation of Hiroshima Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba. The ceremony was attended by the ambassadors of 60 states accredited in Tokyo, as well as a representative of UN General Assembly President Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann, former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, and other international figures.
The Kuwaiti ambassador, met with the Hiroshima mayor, and conveyed the condolences of the Kuwaiti leadership and people to the people of Japan.
Al-Otaibi said Kuwait shared this pain with Japan, out of belief in the principle of lasting global peace and denouncing violence and war.
He noted that Kuwait was still suffering from the aftermath of the Iraqi invasion of 1990, and called on Hiroshima to establish a gathering for peace, saying that Kuwait stood ready to discuss cooperation in this matter.
The Kuwaiti ambassador also talked to one of the bomb's survivors, who recounted the horror of the blast. All participants underscored the importance of ridding the world of weapons of mass destruction by 2020.

H.E. Ambassador Attends Cormorant-Fishing Party Organized by Japanese Imperial Household

Following the official invitation by the Grand master of the Ceremonies of the and Mrs. Koichi Haraguchi, H.E. Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Japan, Mr. Abdul-Rahman al-Otaibi, attended a Cormorant-Fishing Party on the River Nagara, Gifu Prefecture, last Wednesday, July 29, 2009. Representatives of the Diplomatic Missions and the Delegation of the European Commission in Tokyo also attended. This Imperial tradition which is held annually was an opportunity H.E. availed himself of to strengthen the friendly historical ties connecting the State of Kuwait and Japan all as an Imperial Household, a government, and a people.

H.E. Ambassador Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi and Parliamentarian
Mr. Hiromichi Watanabe Met

H.E. Ambassador Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi held a meeting with Mr. Hiromichi Watanabe, Member both in Japan’s House of Representatives and Japan-Kuwait Parliamentary Friendship Association in Mr. Watanabe’s　office at House of Representatives’ Headquarters in Tokyo, June19, 2009. They expressed their deep thanks to each other for creating this opportunity and taking this new initiative on the shared way of achieving excellence in the Kuwaiti-Japanese relations.H.E. Ambassador Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi emphasized that his meeting with Mr. Watanabe coincided with June 19th on which the State of Kuwait annually celebrates its Independence Day, an endeared national memory Kuwait takes advantage of to express to its friend states its unfailing commitment to a positive international cooperation sustainable enough to ensure peace, security, stability, and prosperity around the world. It is likewise an opportunity Kuwait avails itself of to unwaveringly stress its constructive diplomatic, political, and economic commitments toward Japan, and to spare no efforts in the continuous process of promoting and solidifying bilateral relations through ways and means capable of protecting and holding dear both of Kuwait and Japan’s national interests. H.E. Ambassador Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi expressed his sincere thanks to Mr. Watanabe for his understanding and efforts to contribute to the strengthening of relations and cooperation between Kuwait and Japan.