
TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi on Tuesday lauded the opportunities offered by the Osaka Expo for diplomatic exchanges and said he hopes to see more visitors from the Arab countries to capitalize on such opportunities.
In reply to a question from Arab News Japan on “Expo diplomacy,” Iwaya said he had met with foreign ministers from Palestine, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates as well as ministers from other countries and regions.
“I, myself as well have had meetings with counterparts from 18 countries and regions on the occasion of Expo. During those meetings we exchanged views on peace and stability in the Middle East,” Iwaya said. “Going forward, I hope to see more visitors from the Middle East at the Expo, as it is an opportunity for us to deepen exchanges with the world and to communicate the appeal of Japan to the international community.”
Iwaya said the Expo is being used as a diplomatic tool and presents opportunities to “deepen bilateral relations as well as to pursue collaboration to solve various issues in the international community.”
“Every day, it is visited by a large number of visitors from overseas – heads of states, leaders, as well as cabinet ministers are coming to Japan to attend the Expo,” Iwaya said. “I’m very grateful and appreciate their visits.”
He added that Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru has had many summit meetings with dignitaries attending the Expo.