The United Arab Emirates and Japan pledged on Monday to comprehensively bolster their cooperation through the launching of the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative.”
The announcement was made during an official visit paid to the Gulf state by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
In a joint statement, Abu Dhabi and Tokyo announced the appointment of a minister from each country to follow up on the initiative. The candidates will be selected through diplomatic channels.
Abe had held talks in the UAE with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan on strategic cooperation and ways to bolster it in various fields.
They also tackled regional and international developments.
The two officials also signed an agreement to encourage and protect investment between their two countries.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed hoped the visit will help continue the development of special ties with Japan.
“This visit is important, especially in wake of the unique relationship between the UAE and Japan,” he added.
He highlighted Japan’s development of human resources, as well as its technological innovations. He said that the UAE is keen on deepening cooperation with Japan in the energy, advanced technology, innovation and industry sectors.
For his part, Abe hailed cooperation with the UAE as a "strategic relationship" and welcomed Abu Dhabi's renewal of oil concessions with Japanese oil firms.
"Over the past five years since I last visited Abu Dhabi, our bilateral relations have made dramatic progress to a relationship that has been called a strategic relationship," he told a UAE-Japan business forum.
Top executives from Japan's leading business groups addressed the forum, highlighting projects underway in the UAE as well as future plans.
