Waqar Naseem Wamiq

RIYADH — Japan’s Ambassador Norihiro Okuda hosted the National Day of Japan reception to celebrate 84th birthday of Japan’s Emperor Akihito. Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal Bin Bandar attended the reception as the chief guest.

Saudi government officials and guests from different sectors as well as representatives from diplomatic corps attended the reception held at the ambassador’s residence.

Speaking on the occasion, Okuda has said, “Japan is consolidating cooperation and collaboration with Saudi Arabia for the implementation of Vision 2030. The implementation of each and every item of our joint vision program is very important and requires both countries’ serious commitment.

“Both countries are determined to continue making the enormous efforts. Young officials of both governments continue to work together in close contact. The working relations among young officials of both countries have reached an unprecedented level. I find them very amazing and strongly hope their working relations will continue to evolve to solve difficult problems in the future,” the envoy said.

Okuda also referred to the very cordial relationship with Saudi royal family. “This year Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman visited Japan and had audience with the Emperor and Prime Minister Shino Abe, as the historic visit achieved further development of the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries. A number of memorandums and cooperation program were signed between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Japan,” said Okuda, whose tenure in the Saudi Arabia is ending.