Riyadh, March 20, 2024, The Embassy of Japan in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recently hosted an Iftar banquet for a group of Saudi graduates who have completed their studies at Japanese universities and academic institutions. During the ceremony, Japanese Ambassador Fumio Iwai expressed gratitude to the Saudi graduates, highlighting their pivotal role as ambassadors of friendship and cultural exchange between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Ambassador Iwai underscored the significance of high-level visits between officials from both countries, including the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to the Kingdom in July. These visits have played a vital role in strengthening the bonds of friendship and fostering cooperation between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
The ambassador also noted the growing interest of the Japanese private sector in expanding business collaborations with the Kingdom. He mentioned that 40 memorandums of understanding have been signed across various sectors, and seven Japanese companies have established offices in Saudi Arabia in the past year.
Regarding tourism, Ambassador Iwai highlighted Japan's efforts to facilitate travel for Saudi citizens and residents. This includes issuing electronic tourist visas and providing multiple-entry visas to Saudi passport holders meeting specific criteria. These initiatives aim to boost tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations, encouraging more Saudi visitors to explore Japan.
In addition, the embassy has organized cultural events such as the Japanese festival held in November, which attracted over 3,000 participants. Ambassador Iwai emphasized the importance of such events in promoting cultural understanding and strengthening ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia through cultural exchange initiatives.
