Message The Consulate General of Japan in Jeddah celebrates the Birthday of the Emperor of Japan. His Majesty “Akihito" is the 125th Emperor enthroned in 1989, and will turn 79 years of age on 23rd of this month. On the other hand, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrated its 82nd National Day on Sept. 23. Jeddah city was fully covered with green. During the Haj season, the Kingdom welcomed more than 3 million merciful Muslims from all over the world. I would like to express my sincere admiration and respect to the efforts for the development made under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Salman. The history of interaction between Japan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia goes back to the beginning of the 20th century, and the diplomatic relations were established in 1955. Since then, public and private sectors of both countries nurtured friendly ties. In particular, good relationship between the Japanese Imperial family and Saudi Royal family is a core of the two countries. Japan and the Kingdom share long-standing history of friendship and cooperation based on energy sector. We enjoy now mutually dependent relationship under which Japan imports oil worth $48.2 billion and exports automobile and electrical machinery worth $8.4 billion in 2011. It's worth mentioning that 92 Japanese companies are currently advancing into the Kingdom. Lately, ministers of both countries exchange frequent visits for political dialogue. From the economical point of view, we have consolidated bilateral bond through widening the fields of cooperation such as water, renewable energy, diversification of the industry, vocational training and youth exchange. By the way, the Kingdom is now pushing forward Saudization policy. Vocational education is essential for its success. Japan has been cooperating actively with providing vocational training in line with the Saudi policy. As a significant example, I would like to refer to the Saudi Japanese Automobile High Institute (SJAHI) located outside Jeddah. During the last 10 years, Japanese experts have taught many young Saudi boys techniques of car maintenance based on Japanese work ethics. More than 1,800 young trainees who graduated from SJAHI have been highly evaluated by the Saudi labor market. As for the cultural aspect, MBC had broadcasted “Khawatir" program during Ramadan three years ago and introduced Japanese values and traditions. Now it bore a fruitful initiative called “feena khair". This initiative tries to have the Saudi juvenile in the elementary school acquire the habit of putting in order around him by himself. I am very happy that such initiative is spreading out in various regions of the Kingdom. I am sure there is a reliable background proving that Japan and the Kingdom have common values of oriental ethics. The Japanese government and companies have been extending opportunities to the Saudi people to study in Japan. In addition, more than 400 Saudi students are currently studying in Japan under the King Abdullah Scholarship Program. I sincerely hope that those talented Saudi youths to be a firm bridge connecting Japan and the Kingdom for deeper understanding between the two peoples. Jun Yoshida Consul General of Japan
