Oman Embassy in Tokyo celebrates National Day

TOKYO: The Omani Embassy in Tokyo celebrated National Day with a reception on Thursday, which was attended by nearly 300 guests, including State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kunimitsu Ayano, Japanese politicians, government officials, diplomats, businesspeople, and friends of Oman.
Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Said Albusaidi welcomed the guests and stated that the country’s national day embodies the celebration of Oman’s rich history, dating back to the founding of the Al Bu Said State on November 20, 1744, when the founder Imam Ahmad bin Said Al Busaidi unified the nation’s banner and laid the foundations of the modern Omani state based on sovereignty, unity and dignity.
“This occasion is also an opportunity to honor the Sultans of Oman who have faithfully shouldered their responsibility across generations, preserving the country’s unity and prosperity while strengthening its civilizational and humanitarian presence regionally and internationally,” the Ambassador stated, reminding his audience of the country’s many achievements since “the dawn of the Renaissance in 1970, established by the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, and proudly continued today under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.”
He said Oman had established a firm diplomatic approach grounded in positive neutrality, balance, dialogue, and respect for the Charter of the United Nations and international law. Oman, he said, consistently emphasizes the importance of the United Nations Security Council in fulfilling its responsibilities to maintain international peace and security, and of strengthening global efforts to achieve sustainable development and justice for all peoples.
“Oman continues to call for the primacy of wisdom, de-escalation and the use of peaceful means to resolve disputes without interference in the internal affairs of other states,” the Ambassador said, reaffirming its support for the Palestinian people to establish an independent state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
“Oman calls upon the international community to work earnestly toward implementing the two-state solution as the just and only path to achieving comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East.”
The Ambassador called for serious dialogue that will lead to “a just peace” that guarantees the legitimate rights of all and reinforces security and stability in the region.
Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Said Albusaidi then moved the conversation on to Oman’s relations with Japan, which, he said, “have witnessed remarkable development recently, highlighted by high-level visits from both sides,” particularly Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth H.H. Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham meeting with Emperor Naruhito, as well as events at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, and the participation of His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham in Oman’s National Day celebrations at Expo Osaka 2025.
The two countries’ foreign ministers had a “productive meeting,” and several other senior Omani officials visited Japan to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Trade exchange saw a 23 percent increase in the first half of the year, with Japan now the top importer of Omani LNG.
Culturally, the Government of Oman received the prestigious “Shokumon” award from the University of Tokyo in recognition of its contributions to research and academic exchange in Middle Eastern studies, the first time this award has been granted to any government.
“Under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Oman continues its ambitious journey toward realizing Oman Vision 2040, which embodies the nation’s aspiration to build a diversified economy, a prosperous society, and modern, effective institutions,” Ambassador Albusaidi said. “The year 2025 has witnessed significant milestones in economic and financial modernization, including enhancing the efficiency of public spending, achieving investment-grade credit ratings and signing international agreements to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.”
“What we celebrate today is the continuation of a deeply rooted national journey built on sincerity and achievement – a journey of hope toward a bright future in which Oman plays an active role in fostering peace and contributing to human civilization.” The Ambassador also emphasized striking a balance between development and environmental preservation, upholding the values of justice and tolerance, and instilling in its people a deep faith in work and the future.
Following the Ambassador’s remarks, Japan’s State Minister Kunimitsu responded and emphasized that the two countries have been steadily deepening friendly and cooperative relations in many fields under the comprehensive partnership, including high-level visits and bilateral exchanges triggered by the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
She expressed gratitude for Oman’s stable supply of energy to Japan and stated that she would strive to further deepen Japan-Oman relations, touching on the importance of Oman as a partner in the field of maritime security. She said she hopes for further expansion of exchanges in the future.
Omani and Arabic food and sweets were served at the reception and enjoyed by the guests while films of Omani natural beauty and heritage were played.