Japan-Kuwait Relations

(1) Opening remarks

1 Prime Minister Abe stated the following in the opening. 
I would like to welcome your highness in this year, which marks the 55th anniversary of Kuwaiti independence and the 25th anniversary of liberation. Japan appreciates Kuwait's words of sympathy regarding the Earthquake that struck Kumamoto in the last month. Furthermore, the generous and warm-hearted assistance of 5 million barrels of crude oil extended from Kuwait in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake is deeply engraved in the memory of the Japanese people. Today, I hope to hold a fruitful exchange of opinions that will dramatically advance our bilateral relations. In particular, I would like to reach a common understanding on further improvement of the business environment for Japanese companies in the economic area. I also wish to issue a joint statement which covers a wide range of areas, including security and people-to-people exchanges, and utilize it as a compass for future cooperation between our countries. 

2 Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber offered the following comments in response. 
I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for the warm reception by my dearest friend Prime Minister Abe. I hope to lead both countries to prosperity through this visit. I would like to extend my sympathy to those affected by the Kumamoto Earthquake. I am eager to strategically advance our bilateral relations that should be revitalized as soon as possible. The Government and people of Kuwait share a deep memory about Japan's assistance during the Gulf Crisis. Kuwait welcomes Japan's role as the country holding the G7 Presidency with its robust economy amid the stagnating global economy, and looks forward to its leadership.

(2) Bilateral relations

1 Prime Minister Abe explained that Japan will further contribute to the peace and stability of the international community including the Middle East region under "Proactive Contribution to Peace" based on the principle of international cooperation and its embodiment "Legislation for Peace and Security". Prime Minister Abe expressed appreciation for the support extended to this policy from Kuwait. 

2 Prime Minister Abe expressed hope towards continued stable supply of crude oil from Kuwait. In return, Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber replied that Kuwait is striving to provide stable oil supply to Japan. 

3 Prime Minister Abe noted that interests on Kuwait among Japanese companies remain high and requested that Kuwait utilizes Japan's advanced technologies in consolidating infrastructure in the areas such as electricity and transportation. In response, Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber commented that he hopes that Japan will participate in the fields of infrastructure, oil, renewable energy, sewage, and waste processing, including through investment. 

4 Prime Minister Abe welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of Municipal Waste during this visit. Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber responded that he hopes to advance cooperation in the environmental field in order to contribute to the improvement of people's living. 

5 The two leaders confirmed their intention to strengthen relations in areas of health, education, and cultural exchanges. 

6 Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber stated that Kuwait removed import restrictions on Japanese food products. Prime Minister Abe welcomed this decision and expressed his expectations for further popularization of Japanese food that is safe and healthy.