Saudi Ambassador to Japan outlines growth opportunity in bilateral ties

TOKYO: Recently appointed Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Binzagr emphasized the ‘exceptional’ nature of the relationship between the two countries over the last 70 years.
He expressed his belief that the next 70 years will be even more significant, as both nations strive to diversify beyond the traditional anchors of their relationship, foreseeing a future of mutual prosperity and growth.
Dr. Binzagr’s remarks were made during a press conference for Japanese media and was organized by Arab News Japan and was held at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan on Friday.
It was held on the occasion of the conclusion of last week’s Saudi Japan Business Forum, which was attended by prominent Saudi ministers and business executives.
Describing the way forward as ‘an evolution of priorities’, Ambassador Binzagr highlighted the potential of the new relationship in exploring new sources of energy that will benefit both countries. He emphasized the importance of asserting their relevance in new global realities, which, he believes, will involve working together to co-create values in emerging technologies, as well as elements of soft power such as sports and entertainment.
There has always been a tremendous interest in Japan in Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Binzagr said, stemming from the products Japan produced and exported to the world but now “including softer products such as anime that have had a profound effect on a rising curiosity from a whole generation in Saudi Arabia that is increasingly choosing Japan as a destination to visit.”
Dr. Binzagr highlighted the deep appeal of Japanese culture to the youth of Saudi Arabia, not just at a superficial level, but at a profound level that has sparked a desire to visit and study in Japan, to learn Japanese and understand the history and culture of the country. He expressed his belief that this cultural dimension will be an additional pillar in the already strong relationship between the two nations, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures.
The Ambassador hopes that a reciprocal feeling will develop within the Japanese to learn more about Saudi Arabia but admits that the desired level hasn’t been reached yet. Now, he says, Saudi Vision 2030 has opened the doors to tourists and allowed Japanese and others the opportunity to discover more about the history and culture of the Kingdom.
Ambassador Binzagr reiterated the importance of strong, sustainable relations that are built on shared interests and values. He emphasized that both Saudi Arabia and Japan share a strong commitment to global peace and the significance of robust multilateral institutions.
This shared commitment, he believes, will not only ensure the stability of their relations but also pave the way for further decades of friendly and fruitful collaboration between the two nations.