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The Visit to Oman by H.E. Ryuji Yamane,
Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs
H.E. Ryuji Yamane, Parliamentary Senior
Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan paid a call on H.E. Yousuf bin Alawi
bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs on 2nd June 2012 during
his visit to Oman.
In the meeting, H.E. Yamane handed over to H.E.
Alawi a letter from H.E. Koichiro Gemba, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan,
celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations
between Japan and Oman. H.E. Yamane also expressed his appreciation for
the tremendous support from the Sultanate after the Great East Japan Earthquake
in March last year. H.E. Alawi replied that Oman was obliged to extend such
support to Japan as a long-time friend.
Based on the importance of promoting bilateral
economic relations between the two countries, the two leaders agreed on the
commencement of preliminary talks for a bilateral investment agreement as well
as the importance of the early signing of the Japan-Oman Double Tax Avoidance Agreement
that came to a basic agreement last November. They also agreed on the need to
resume talks for a Japan-GCC Free Trade Agreement. In addition, H.E. Yamane
asked for support so that Japanese companies could continue to enjoy a business
environment that enables them to engage in vibrant economic activities.
On the security front, H.E. Yamane thanked H.E. Alawi for the
support for Japan's anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia and in the
Gulf of Aden, and expressed Japan's
willingness to intensify the cooperation. H.E. Alawi promised to follow up on
this issue.
They also discussed regional issues of their mutual interest
such as Syria, Iran, and Afghanistan.
Earlier that day, H.E. Yamane visited H.E. Nasser bin Khamis bin
Ali al Jasmi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil and Gas and they agreed on
intensifying bilateral economic relations that centers on the energy field.
During
his stay in Muscat, H.E. Yamane visited the Japanese School in Oman and interacted
with students there. He also exchanged views with Japanese business people in
Muscat on local economic situations and issues they face here.
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