An old Japanese folk story tells of a fisherman, who after rescuing a sea turtle, is invited to ride it on a journey to a fantastical and timeless kingdom under the sea. My own journey across the ocean to the Sultanate two years ago was far more conventional - nevertheless, I too found myself in a beautiful land of breathtaking nature, vibrant society, and enduring splendour, and I feel extraordinarily blessed to experience the Omani way of life. Oman too, of course, has its turtles aplenty; whenever I witness the majestic form of one off the coast of this country, I am possessed by a strange feeling that our two nations have been somehow linked by these beautiful creatures since eons past.
I have often come to remark and appreciate the unexpected similarity between the culture of our two countries, though we may be separated by over 8,000km, by climate, language, and ancestry. A strong sense of communal custodianship, a society guided by principles of integrity and sincerity, a proud tradition of hospitality and generosity - these are the qualities which are shared between our people, and form the invisible threads which bind together our international friendship. So too does our shared maritime heritage; nations such as ours whose fates have been shaped by the waves recognise the vital importance of fostering cooperation with overseas nations.
The Late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimour, may his soul rest in peace, possessed great vision and under his wise guidance, Oman established a precious and greatly admired diplomatic stance of positive neutrality. Since his accession to the throne, His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik has affirmed and reinforced the uniquely Omani path of peaceful approach toward all nations.
The great effort expended by the Sultanate to contribute to the peace and stability of the region and the world is recognised and appreciated by Japan as a noble and worthy undertaking. Our shared ‘DNA’ as sea-faring nations brings with it a keen awareness of the gravity of maintaining maritime security and ensuring unimpeded economic activity in the oceans. These well-aligned priorities have convinced us that Oman is a valuable and assured partner for a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific.’
Of course, our two nations already enjoy substantial long-standing relations.
From ancient radios long consigned to museums, to gleaming new vehicles displayed in dealerships, I am proud to see that Japanese products have long been viewed by the people of Oman as emblematic of quality and reliability. Nowhere is this more evident than in the enthusiastic recital of Japanese brand names by friendly locals in even the remotest of the mountain villages to which I have ventured!
It is not only the enduring popularity and desirability of Japanese cars and electronics that have contributed to the daily lives of Omanis, however. Consortiums led by Japanese companies produce around 70% of Oman’s electricity, as well as more than 25% of the drinkable water. It is with great happiness that I see the corporations of Japan supporting the livelihoods of Omanis in this way, and I expect that our technology will be able to aid Oman further in fields ranging from environmental protection to medical science. In turn, Oman’s importance to Japan’s energy stability, through the supply of crude oil and natural gas, cannot be understated.
In the face of unprecedented global challenges brought about by COVID-19, the government of Oman’s decisive response has successfully tempered a tragic crisis. It is my sincere hope that once this difficult period is behind us, the ties between Japan and Oman will emerge stronger than ever before.
We celebrate the 61st birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan on 23rd February 2021. It is worth mentioning that H.M. Emperor Naruhito, accompanied by Her Majesty the Empress, paid an official visit to Oman in 1994 when His Majesty was the Crown Prince. During their visit, H.M. the Emperor and H.M. the Empress were received by warm welcome and generous hospitality by Late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and the Omani people.
Inspired by the warm relationship between the Imperial Family of Japan and the Royal Family of the Sultanate of Oman, I hope to see our two nations further enhance our ties, and I would like to wish continued health, prosperity, and long-life for both H.M. Emperor Naruhito and His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik.
From a favourite vantage point on the hilltop beside the town of Qalhat, azure skies overhead and the shining ocean filling the horizon, I cannot help feeling the weight of time and a bond which stretches through the centuries. In the foreground lie the crumbling ruins of the ancient city, visited in the 13th Century CE by explorer Marco Polo who first brought word of Japan to the West. Behind it, across the bay, looms the LNG plant which today supplies the gas used in my hometown in Japan. And so, Oman and Japan have always been and will forever be connected by an ocean of opportunities.
KOBAYASHI Toshinori, Ambassador of Japan to the Sultanate of Oman
SOURCE: TIMESOFOMAN