Hamed bin Zayed stresses importance of UAE-Japan relations

H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, has underlined that the relations between the UAE and Japan over the last for decades were based on solid foundations, especially in the areas of economy and oil sector. Sheikh Hamed made the remark during the reception party held in Tokyo today to mark the expected two-day visit of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces to Japan tomorrow. The event was attended by Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Director of the Department of East Asia and Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nasser bin Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi, Abdullah Nasser Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Takao Makino, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, about 300 businesspersons, UAE Ambassador to Japan Saeed Ali Yousif Al Nowais, Japanese Ambassador to UAE Yoshihiko Kamo and other senior officials. Sheikh Hamed said the mutual high-profile visits between the UAE and Japan reflect the strong interest by the higher leadership in both countries to strengthen the relations, citing the visit of Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the UAE in May last year. He added the visit resulted in signing a number of agreements and MoUs, among others, the agreement on cooperation in the field peaceful nuclear energy programme and the Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion. He added that the boosting of relations with partners constitutes a focal point in the UAE's strategic policy, which is based on openness, exchange of investments and active participation of the private sector. Sheikh Hamed said the visit of Sheikh Mohamed tomorrow "represents an additional evidence about the significance of relations between the two countries."