Sunday 22 / February / 2026
Muscat: On the occasion of the 66th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, observed on 23 February, I am profoundly honored to extend my warmest greetings to His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik and to the people of the Sultanate of Oman. This significant occasion provides a valuable opportunity to reflect upon the enduring friendship between Japan and the Sultanate of Oman and to acknowledge the steady advancement of cooperation that continues to define our bilateral relations.
The relationship between Japan and the Sultanate of Oman has been meticulously nurtured over many decades, founded on mutual respect, trust, and shared values. Strengthened by robust diplomatic engagement and close ties between the Imperial Family of Japan and the Royal Family of Oman, this partnership remains a shining example of constructive cooperation. In this regard, we were particularly privileged last year to witness the successful visit of His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said to His Majesty Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace, as well as the visit of His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said to Expo 2025 Osaka/Kansai. The Expo fostered a new phase of friendship between two countries by creating unique opportunities for global connection, cultural exchange, and shared experiences through many different activities. I would congratulate on reaching more than one million visitors to the Omani pavilion. As we look forward, I sincerely hope that further imperial and royal exchanges, along with governmental visits, will offer fresh opportunities to broaden and deepen our collaboration.
The deepening relationship between Japan and the Sultanate of Oman was further highlighted by Japan’s participation in the 8th Indian Ocean Conference, in Muscat last year, where then State Minister for Foreign Affairs His Excellency MIYAJI Takuma emphasized the importance of peace, stability, and cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
On the margins of the Conference, he held a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister of Oman, to exchange views on regional and international issues, including maritime security, and reaffirm their commitment to further strengthening Japan-Oman relations.
In April 2025, the 8th Japan-Oman Foreign Policy Dialogue took place in Tokyo. The Japanese delegation was led by Mr. ANDO Toshihide, the Assistant Minister and Director-General of the Middle East and African Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Omani delegation was represented by His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs, and His Excellency Dr. Mohammad Said Khalifa Al Busaidi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Japan, along with other distinguished officials. Under the “Comprehensive Partnership,” the two sides engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on regional developments, including the situation in the Gaza Strip, the dynamics of East Asia, and maritime security. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation aimed at fostering stability in the region and enhancing global peace. These crucial dialogues have significantly deepened the bonds between our two nations.
Furthermore, in September 2025, His Excellency IWAYA Takeshi, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who was visiting Kuwait to attend the Japan-GCC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and other events, held a meeting with His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi, Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman. The two foreign ministers noted the increase in high-level exchanges between our countries. They also held a candid exchange of views on regional and international affairs, including the situations in Iran and Gaza. Furthermore, the two ministers exchanged views on developments in the Indo-Pacific Region and concurred to communicate more closely to peacefully resolve regional and global challenges.
Middle East is of vital importance for Japan’s energy security. Japan has rapidly expanded crude oil and natural gas imports from the region to meet our growing demand for energy. As far as the bilateral relationship is concerned, Japan and the Sultanate of Oman have been thriving over the past 50 years during the journey of business growth, even in difficult times.
Bilateral economic relationships between two countries are shifting from traditional oil and gas towards green hydrogen driven by climate goals that both countries committed. Japan is actively pursuing ambitious climate goals, committing to net-zero emissions by 2050 and setting interim targets to cut greenhouse gases by 60% by 2035 and 73% by 2040 (from 2013 levels).
Japan will continue to consider the investment to build infrastructure and secure long-term contracts despite high initial costs and technological hurdles, leveraging existing energy trading expertise for this new green molecule market.
Many of Japan’s top business and industrial players have shown the commitment in achieving economic growth with reduction in CO2 emission.
Kanadevia Corporation signed with Oman LNG an agreement to conduct a Pre-FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) for a methanation pilot plant and a comprehensive Concept Study for a future commercial-scale facility.
Sumitomo Corporation and Energy Development, the Sultanate of Oman announced to promote sustainable energy initiatives, also Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) and the Port of Duqm Company agreed to enhance port development and connectivity.These strong ties, rooted in mutual trust and strategic partnership, extend beyond energy into areas like technology, food security, and tourism, making Japan a vital partner for Oman’s economic future. It is not known by many, for instance, that 30% of pure water, 70% of thermos-generated electricity is supplied in the Sultanate of Oman Oman through the behind-the-scene undertakings of Japanese companies.
The celebration of the 50th anniversary of cooperation between Toyota Motor Corporation and Saud Bahwan Automotive LLC is yet another testament to the depth and longevity of Japan-Oman relations in the automotive sector.Another milestone would be the technical cooperation agreement signed between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, of the Sultanate of Oman which aims to solidify the Najd region’s role as a reliable source of high-value agricultural products. Environmental cooperation represents another crucial pillar of our partnership. Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and Environment Authority signed Memorandum of Cooperation on Environmental Cooperation to promote joint initiatives in climate change, waste management, and other environmental concerns. At the governmental level, cooperation has also advanced in civil aviation. Japan and the Sultanate of Oman signed a Record of Discussion, establishing a framework under the Japan-Oman Air Services Agreement to enhance connectivity and expand entry points in Japan for airlines from both countries. This development is expected to significantly bolster people-to-people exchanges and stimulate economic activity and tourism sector.
In the domain of defense cooperation, we observed active interactions, which further enhanced Japan-Oman defense relations. In February 2025, Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser bin Mohsin Al Rahbi, Commander of the Royal Navy of the Sultanate of Oman Oman, visited the Japanese Ministry of Defense. During the visit, His Excellency NAKATANI Gen, then Minister of Defense, and Admiral SAITO Akira, the Chief of Staff of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), each received him. In March, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Minesweeper Division Three called at Duqm and conducted a passing exercise with the Royal Navy of the Sultanate of Oman (RNO).
In addition, in May 2025, the second Japan-Oman Military-to-Military Dialogue took place in Tokyo. The Japanese delegation was led by Mr. KEGOYA Masanori, Director General for International Affairs at Japan’s Ministry of Defense, while the Omani delegation was headed by Brigadier Ahmed Ambu Saidi, then Director General of International Cooperation at Ministry of Defense of the Sultanate of Oman . This dialogue served as a valuable forum for constructive discussions on the future of defense cooperation. Around the same time, a delegation led by Vice Admiral Abdullah Bin Khamis Bin Abdullah Al Raisi, Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces, visited the defense industry exhibition “DSEI 2025” held in Japan, which helped expand opportunities for cooperation in the defense industry sector.
Beyond visits from the Sultanate of Oman to Japan, in December of last year, His Excellency MIYAZAKI Masahisa, Japan’s State Minister of Defense, visited the Salalah Naval Unit and the JS OONAMI at the Port of Salalah during its mission as part of the 52nd Deployment Surface Force for Counter Piracy Enforcement (DSPE). We sincerely appreciate the generous support of the Omani government for the ongoing DSPE activities. This support has been essential in enabling Japan to carry out its operations smoothly over this long period.
Additionally, the RNO has continuously participated in the JMSDF Training Squadron Ship-Rider Program and the Short-Term Exchange Program (STEP) under the Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS). These initiatives demonstrate that the partnership between Oman and Japan extends not only to high-level engagements but also across broader and more sustained levels of cooperation. In the effort of maritime security, we are proud partners with the Sultanate of Oman, which holds a strategically important position and deeply appreciates the importance of safeguarding a free and open ocean.
Cultural exchange remains a cornerstone of the Japan-Oman relationship. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in Japanese culture among the Omani people. I was particularly delighted to engage with them during embassy events, such as the month-long exhibition “Manga Hokusai Manga” held at the Omani Society for Arts in Ghala last July. I would like to express my profound appreciation to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for their generous support in bringing this event to fruition.
Japanese culture and education are widely appreciated in the Sultanate of Oman due to the dedicated efforts of numerous individuals and institutions. We are deeply grateful for the contributions made by all those who have served, in diverse capacities, as cultural and educational ambassadors, fostering mutual understanding between our two nations. The conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, upon Dr. Suad Al-Mudhaffar, founder and former principal of Azzan Bin Qais Private School, is a distinguished example of such invaluable contributions. It is equally heartening to witness many Omanis taking an active interest in the Japanese language and culture, particularly through the Oman Japan Friendship Association (OJFA)’s language programs. These efforts, along with the dedication of OJFA Chairman Sheikh Abdullah Mohamed Bahwan, play a significant role in enhancing mutual understanding between our peoples.
The Ship for World Youth (SWY) Committee - Oman, led by Mr. Adil Alshanfari, has also played a crucial role in promoting cultural exchange through initiatives such as Oman-Japan Day. We also sincerely appreciate the enthusiasm of university students who organize Japanese cultural events, as well as the unwavering support of faculty members at institutions including Sultan Qaboos University, GUtech, Muscat University, the Modern College of Business and Science, and Dhofar University.
In addition, I had the privilege last year of meeting with representatives who have been dedicated to the promotion of Karate and Judo in the Sultanate of Oman. The acceptance of these Japanese martial arts, which place a strong emphasis on mental discipline alongside physical skill, reflects the shared values and spirit between the Japanese and Omani peoples. I would also like to thank the efforts made by the Ministry of Information represented by the Omani press and TV, and the competent journalists who spread Japanese culture to the Omani people and show permanent cooperation with us at all levels.
In conclusion, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who contribute to the continued development of Japan-Oman relations. On the occasion of His Majesty the Emperor’s birthday, I would like to convey my best wishes for the continued success and prosperity of His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik, and the people of the Sultanate of Oman. Next year, 2027, marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Sultanate of Oman. I look forward to further strengthening our partnership and to the shared success that lies ahead. May the friendship between Japan and the Sultanate of Oman continue to flourish as we work together toward a more prosperous future for both nations.
