Manama: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended a reception held by Okai Asako, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Bahrain, on the occasion of the 66th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, the Emperor of Japan.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the event was attended by His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Southern Governor, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of Cabinet Affairs, members of the Shura Council and Council of Representatives, and Rami Saleh Wreikat Al Adwan, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Bahrain and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, along with other officials and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Bahrain.
Dr. Al Zayani extended the Kingdom's congratulations to His Majesty Emperor Naruhito and to Japan on the conclusion of the national elections for the Japanese House of Representatives, wishing Japan and its people continued progress and success.
The Foreign Minister noted that Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, gives the highest importance to its relations with Japan and is committed to expanding their partnership across various domains. He highlighted that 2025 was a significant year in bilateral relations, marked by the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to Japan, which resulted in several agreements and elevated relations to a strategic partnership. He also noted the Kingdom's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, where Bahrain's pavilion won the gold award.
He added that amid conflicts, humanitarian crises, and pressures on global trade routes and maritime security, the Kingdom and Japan share a firm belief that dialogue, diplomacy and responsible international engagement are the only sustainable way forward. He expressed support for international initiatives, including the Board of Peace, as mechanisms that contribute to establishing a credible pathway towards lasting regional peace and stability. He emphasised Bahrain's commitment, as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, to work closely with international partners to advance these goals and contribute to a more peaceful, secure and prosperous future.