Takaoka Masato

KUWAIT: Japan's Ambassador to Kuwait Takaoka Masato released the following statement on the occasion of the first anniversary of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah's assumption of office:

"On behalf of the Government and people of Japan, I would like to extend our sincere congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, on the first anniversary of the enthronement. I wish His Highness good health and all the best. I would also like to extend my congratulations and best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on the first anniversary of the assumption of office as Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait.

"We are all aware that the past one year has been full of challenges in the world, particularly that of COVID-19. Yet, I would like to note that the State of Kuwait, under the wisdom of the new leadership, has remained stable, prosperous and peaceful. The State of Kuwait has also continued to play an important role for regional stability and for world humanitarian causes, as during the reign of His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. As a friend, Japan values Kuwait as a force of peace and stability.

"This year, Japan and the State of Kuwait celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. We have developed close ties of friendship and partnership over those years. I earnestly hope and expect that with the guidance of the new leadership we will further promote our cooperation bilaterally, regionally and globally."