Japan envoy: KSA policies promote global harmony

I have worked in this great country for almost two years. It has been a wonderful two years.
Let me share with you some of my thoughts about Saudi Arabia and Japan’s relations with the Kingdom.
First, I think Saudi people are lucky to have great leaders, headed by Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.
Saudi policies in many areas are just right and far-sighted.
I am sure Saudi Arabia will continue to be a great country with or even without oil, if current Saudi policies are duly implemented.  
Second, our relations have always been cordial and have been expanding in many areas year by year.
The recent event that symbolizes the relations is the official visit of Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and defense minister, to Japan in February 2014. I am lucky to witness this as an ambassador. 
On the basis of these good relations, there is a fact that we have so much in common in our character and attitude toward life.
In this respect, I am happy to note that Japan is taking part in the inter-cultural, inter-religious dialogue initiated by the King. Thus together we can help create harmony among various people and various religions.
Third, people-to-people contact, especially youth exchange is extremely important.
They are the ones who determine the state and nature of our relations.
In this respect, I want to tell you one example.
Several Saudi students visit Toyone village (small village in Japan) and live together with local people for several days and experience Japanese way of life in a village.
A new type of friendship is emerging owing to this type of exchange.
This would give a new dimension to our relations.
I hope this kind of exchange will flourish in the future because such links will enrich our relations and our bonds will be solidified.
Fourth, two top-level visits were highlights during my time.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Saudi Arabia last year, and Crown Prince Salman visited Japan this year.
As a result of these visits, we agreed to have guiding principles in our relations.
We will “collaborate,” and “co-prosper and co-exist,” at the same time we value “harmony and tolerance.”
They are exactly what is needed for friendly countries to maintain good relations and contribute to the peace and welfare of mankind.
It is significant that we have come to an agreement on these points.
—
Jiro Kodera, Ambassador of Japan