5.Ambassador's Office
(2)Greetings
(e) Farewell Message from Ambassador Seiji Morimoto
Three
years have quickly passed since I was posted here as the Ambassador of Japan to
the Sultanate of Oman, and I am now set to return to Japan
after completing my assignment. Looking back on my time here, my work was
extremely fulfilling as well as rewarding, and I feel that the time has passed
just like an arrow.
Each
of my experiences in Oman
is filled with long-lasting memories. In particular, it was a great honor as a
diplomat to experience the year in which Oman
commemorated His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s 40th anniversary since his
ascension to the throne.
This opportunity gave me a chance
to look back on the development and stability brought to the nation by the
40-year reign of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. In the bilateral context, it is
worthwhile to note that the Sultan Qaboos Chair for Middlee Eastern studies was
established at the University of Tokyo thanks to the generous endowment of His
Majesty and that the long-established Oman Japan Friendship Association has been restructured
with the grace of H.H. Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said,
Minister of Heritage and Culture as Honorary Chairman.
The
many successful events organized by the Embassy of Japan to celebrate this 40th
anniversary together with the people of
Oman
also remain etched in my mind. Whether it is the Haute Courture fashion show in
Muscat
organized by Ms. Hanae Mori, who had been successful in Paris
as the first Japanese designer, or performances of Japan’s traditional dance sponsored by the Kikunokai, each of these many events
inspired acclaim and empathy in the people of Muscat. Many events targeting youth were also successfully held, including an event
that showcased the superior quality of Japan’s food and ingredients, a lecture on humanoid robots, a robot contest that
also saw participation from local Omani students, and a workshop on animation.
The
economic relationship between
Japan
and Oman
has also entered a new phase aimed at greater future development. Trade between
the two nations saw a temporary downturn due to the impact from the global economic
crisis in the aftermath of the Lehman Shock, but since then it has gradually
regained its footing and is on the path back to recovery. Two international
Consortia involving major Japanese companies have won bids to construct
large-scale power plants in Sohar/Barka and Sur, indicating the positive
direction of the economic relationship between the two nations slated for the
future. As a result, the small 120-strong local Japanese community looks set to
grow going forward.
While the winds of change from the
“Arab Spring” that erupted at the start of 2011 also reached Oman, the prompt response of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos in accommodating the voices
of the people left a deep impression on me, and I believe these actions indicate
that a bright future lies ahead for Oman.
Amid this, Japan
was struck by the Great East Japan Earthquake on
March 11, 2011. The greatest destruction and suffering Japan
has seen since the end of World War II has brought a great ordeal upon the
country. However, the true friendship and warm support extended to
Japan
from the Government and people of Oman
has instilled a great sense of courage and hope in the people of Japan. A bank account in the name of “Friends of Japan” opened by the Embassy in
close cooperation with the Oman Japan Friendship Association to collect
donations has received a huge sum of charitable contributions. As indicated by
the many stories that appear at the top of this website, episodes of goodwill
from the people of Oman
are too numerous to mention here. I firmly believe that Japan
will be able to recover as a stronger nation from this disaster thanks to the
seeds of goodwill planted by the support and solidarity of the people of Oman.
Next
year is 2012, which will mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations
between
Japan
and Oman. I have already worked to prepare for several commemorative events to mark on
this occasion, and I believe my successor will get involved in full-scale
preparations soon after he or she assumes the post this October to make these
events as meaningful as possible. I am already holding high expectations that
next year will be a significant year for the relationship between our two
nations.
I
was able to safely fulfill my role and mission during my nearly three-year
tenure as Ambassador thanks above all to the support and auspices of His Majesty
Sultan Qaboos, people from various circles in Oman, as well as those that have supported this website. I would like to take this
opportunity to once again express my sincerest and deepest appreciation to all
of you.
In
closing, I would like to mark the end of my appointment as Ambassador of Japan
to the Sultanate of Oman by offering my best wishes for the continued prosperity
and development of the relationship between
Japan
and Oman. I wish everyone “Wa’salam Alaikum.”
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