The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, sent separate congratulatory cables to His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan on the occasion of his country's National Day. The Saudi leadership expressed its sincerest congratulations and best wishes for continued health and happiness to His Majesty, and for further progress and prosperity to the government and people of friendly Japan.
The depth of diplomatic relations between the two countries
This message of congratulations underscores the deep and distinguished relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Japan, which span more than six decades. Formal diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1955, and since then, they have witnessed continuous development across all sectors, culminating in a robust strategic partnership built on mutual respect and shared interests. This occasion provides an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two nations.
Japan's National Day: A celebration of the Emperor's birthday
Japan celebrates its National Day on February 23rd each year, a date that coincides with the birthday of the current Emperor, Naruhito, who ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019, ushering in the Reiwa era, which means "beautiful harmony." The Emperor is considered a symbol of the state and the unity of the people in Japan, and this day holds great cultural and national significance for the Japanese, with official and public celebrations taking place throughout the country.
Strategic partnership within Vision 2030
Saudi-Japanese relations are gaining increasing importance under the “Saudi-Japanese Vision 2030,” a joint framework launched in 2017 aimed at diversifying the economies of both countries and deepening their partnership in new areas beyond the traditional energy sector. The Vision encompasses cooperation in promising sectors such as technology, entertainment, renewable energy, healthcare, and infrastructure. This partnership serves as a model for international cooperation seeking sustainable development and shared prosperity, with the Kingdom benefiting from Japanese technological and industrial expertise, while Japan views the Kingdom as a reliable strategic partner in the Middle East and a promising market for investment.
Exchanging congratulations on national occasions reflects the mutual desire to develop these distinguished relations and push them towards broader horizons, in a way that serves the interests of both countries and enhances security and stability at the regional and international levels.
