Strengthening Oman-Japan Ties: A New Chapter in Bilateral Cooperation

The diplomatic relationship between Oman and Japan has been fortified by centuries-old trade relations and shared values, with the appointment of H E Kiyoshi Serizawa as the 15th Ambassador of Japan to Oman in Ramadan 2025 marking a significant milestone. Serizawa's vision for strengthening ties through cultural, business, and people-to-people initiatives reflects the depth and continuity of the bilateral partnership.

Key Takeaways:

• The Oman-Japan relationship has evolved into a dynamic cooperation spanning diplomacy, commerce, and culture, with the new ambassador's appointment reaffirming Japan's commitment to deepening this engagement.
• Serizawa's primary goal is to broaden bilateral cooperation by encouraging more exchanges in politics, business, government, education, and culture, including fostering mutual visits and people-to-people interactions.
• The bilateral Foreign Policy Dialogue has brought together senior officials from both countries to demonstrate ongoing diplomatic efforts, with a focus on expanding economic collaboration in tourism, decarbonisation, and agriculture.
• The defence ties between Oman and Japan are deepening, with Vice Admiral Abdullah Khamis al Raisi visiting Japan in May and the Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force regularly docking in Oman for support.
• Cultural exchange plays a vital role in building lasting connections between nations, with the Embassy of Japan holding a Manga exhibition at the Omani Society for Arts in Ghala, which attracted over 750 visitors.
• In 2024, Japan issued over 1,600 visas to residents of Oman, with the majority being for tourism purposes, followed by business and educational purposes.
• The Omani Pavilion at the World Expo in Osaka has been warmly received, with its theme "Land, Water and People" resonating across cultures and age groups.
• While there are no immediate plans to open a full-fledged Japanese school in Oman, Japanese language courses are available through the Oman-Japan Friendship Association, and Dhofar University began offering Japanese classes last year.

Statistics:

• 1,600 visas issued by Japan to Oman residents in 2024.
• 750 visitors attracted to the Manga exhibition held at the Omani Society for Arts in Ghala.
• 120 Japanese nationals living in Oman.
• Over 1,600 visas issued to Oman residents in 2024 for tourism, business, and educational purposes.
• The Omani Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka/Kansai has been warmly received, with a response of sensory experiences on offer.

Sources:

• Excerpts from H E Kiyoshi Serizawa's interview.
• Visit of H H Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, to Japan in April.
• State Minister for Foreign Affairs Miyaji Takuma's visit to Oman in February.
• H E Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa al Harthy, Undersecretary for Diplomatic Affairs in Oman's Foreign Ministry, visiting Japan in April.