‘Saudi oil policy market stabilizer’

Japan has praised Saudi Arabia for adopting an oil policy that has helped stabilize the global price and supply to world markets, and has committed itself to strengthening economic, security and political ties with the Kingdom.
This commendation and commitments were included in a joint communiqué issued on Friday to mark the visit of Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, to Japan from Feb. 18 to 21, the SPA reported.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had invited Prince Salman to visit the country.
The crown prince and Japanese premier held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral relations, and regional and international issues.
The communiqué stated that the two sides were committed to strengthening their partnership based on an earlier communiqué issued on April 30, 2013.
During the meeting, the two sides agreed to strengthen bilateral relations in political and security areas, including assisting Japan to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2016 and 2017, and eventually a permanent member.
Meanwhile, the prestigious Waseda University in Japan, has awarded Prince Salman an honorary doctorate for his contribution to the Kingdom and the world.
Waseda University was founded in 1882 by Shigenobu Okuma, who later became prime minister of Japan, with the aim of fostering contemporary Japanese leaders. It has since developed into a comprehensive university with more than 50,000 students and staff.
Waseda University President Kaoru Kamata said Prince Salman was well known for his political wisdom and great achievements.
He recalled that the Crown Prince had received many medals and honorary doctorates in recognition of his efforts to aid the poor and victims of natural disasters across the world.
In his speech, Prince Salman stressed that King Abdullah values the Kingdom’s relationship with Japan.
“Our goal in the Kingdom is derived from Islamic teachings of tolerance, understanding and dialogue, countering terrorism, and deepening interfaith dialogue. This is the essence of King Abdullah’s initiative for dialogue among the followers of religions and cultures,” the prince said.
“Science and knowledge are the foundation upon which the development of nations is based, and they are also the mainstay of modern economies. Our country is thousands of kilometers away from your country. It is true that we came close to each other, thanks to the amazing technology that you have, but I invite you to work more closely with us.”
“I invite you to approach our Islamic and Arab culture. We have a lot to share with you, so that you may discover many of the principles, teachings and values that we have in common,” he said.
The two countries have decided to beef up dialogue between officials on naval security, security of communication, combating piracy, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, tackling terrorism and providing humanitarian assistance to disaster victims.
They will also seek to strengthen strategic dialogue between Japan and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and expand military cooperation.
The two sides decided to continue their joint cooperation in stocking up on reserves of petrol.
The two countries will also continue cooperating in areas of conventional, non-conventional and renewable energy sources, and seek mutual industrial investments, transfer of technology, and in building infrastructure for metro systems in the Kingdom.
The communiqué also outlines Japan’s appeal for the Kingdom to ease the ban on the import of food from the country following the earthquakes in 2011.
The two sides also stressed the need for greater cooperation in the field of education, culture and higher education.
The Kingdom and Japan welcomed the initiative of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for interfaith dialogue.
The communiqué also stated the two countries’ willingness to work for peace in the Middle East and expressed concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria and the failure of the Geneva 2 conference.
Prince Salman also met with Japanese Parliament Member Ma Chiko, who was accompanied by the children and mayor of the town of Namie, which was hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011.
Prince Salman also met with Musa Mohammad Omar, acting president of the Islamic Center in Japan, who was accompanied by Amin Tokumasu, the president of the Japan Muslim Association and several officials from Islamic centers and associations.
The Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito had earlier welcomed Prince Salman at Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Japanese Emperor Akihito then held a lunch at the Emperor’s Palace in honor of Prince Salman.