Adnan Khlaidi meeting the Consul General of Japan

Interview – Adnan Khlaidi for Makkah Lovers
Mr. Daisuke Yamamoto, Consul General of Japan in Jeddah

Title: The occasion of meeting the Consul General of Japan on several occasions, especially since he has had a significant interest in the Kingdom for 20 years and has also worked in several Arab countries. Therefore, I visited him at the consulate to explain more about the strong and historical relations between the Kingdom and Japan.

1. Name, Education, and Professional Life Before Arriving in Jeddah
   My name is Daisuke Yamamoto. I graduated from the School of Commerce at Meiji University in Japan and then joined the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I trained in Arabic in Egypt and then worked abroad, starting from Kuwait, then Al-Muthanna Governorate in Iraq, followed by Malaysia, Bahrain, and Qatar. Twenty years ago, I was responsible for Saudi Arabia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2. How Have You Seen the Rapid Developments and Changes in the Life, Welfare, and Prosperity of the Saudi People?
   When I returned to Saudi Arabia after visiting it for the first time 20 years ago, I was impressed by the significant social transformation, one of the fruits of the ambitious and comprehensive “Saudi Vision 2030.” I was particularly surprised by the progress of women in society and their rise to leadership positions in both government and private sectors. I was also pleased with the success of Saudis in retail, industry, and advanced technology sectors, especially seeing many young people starting their own businesses energetically. I have great hopes for a bright future for this country.
3. What Are the Most Prominent Customs and Traditions You Have Seen in Saudi Arabia That Are Similar to Japanese Customs?
   Japan and the Kingdom are both Eastern countries that share many cultural traditions, such as pride in cultural and national identity and preserving it from generation to generation without interruption throughout history. They also value family, honor parents, and respect the elderly, while being open to and positively accepting other cultures.
4. How Do You View Saudi Arabia’s Preparations to Host Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034, and What Is Japan’s Involvement in These Major Projects?
   Firstly, I am eagerly following the preparations for the Saudi Pavilion in Osaka as part of Expo 2025, and I can’t wait for visitors, especially Japanese ones, to experience Saudi culture and fashion. I believe Saudi Arabia is well-prepared to host Expo 2030 with its main theme “Era of Change: Together We Shape the Future.” Certainly, the Kingdom will benefit from its participation in the Osaka Expo in preparing and organizing for Expo 2030. It is a big challenge, but I am confident that the Kingdom will present an outstanding exhibition.
   I have seen several reports about the Kingdom’s bid to host this important event and the new stadiums that will be built around the Kingdom. I hope it wins the opportunity to organize the 2034 World Cup, especially since it is the sole candidate for hosting. I also hope the Japanese national team qualifies to participate, as I am confident that our team will receive, in addition to the support of Japanese fans coming from Japan, the support of our Saudi friends who hold great affection and appreciation for Japan and its national team.
5. It Is Known That Japan and Saudi Arabia Have Historical Relations in Various Fields, Especially in Petroleum, Commerce, Culture, and Tourism. How Do You See the Opportunities for Developing These Areas for the Benefit of Both Nations?
   It is very important to deepen cultural exchanges, as cultural diversity can create a strong bond between the people of both countries, and I want to make efforts in this regard. Regarding the commercial aspect, Saudi Arabia was the largest oil supplier to Japan in 2021. During the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Mr. Fumio Kishida to Jeddah last year, Japan and the GCC countries announced the resumption of negotiations on a free trade agreement. There are also expectations for the development and use of renewable energy and rare minerals such as hydrogen in the future, as the Saudi Ministry of Energy signed agreements with the Japanese Ministry of Industry and Trade to develop clean hydrogen and produce ammonia and its derivatives through carbon recycling. There are investment opportunities in various industries in Saudi Arabia.
6. How Does His Excellency the Consul Spend His Daily Time, and What Are the Areas He Has Visited in Saudi Arabia?
   I spend most of the day on routine tasks at the consulate and make courtesy and familiarization visits to Saudi officials in the Mecca and Medina regions to strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two countries and explore opportunities for cooperation in all fields. I also enjoy exchanging visits with consular colleagues. I feel comfortable visiting the beautiful Jeddah Corniche and hope to find time to visit areas with stunning natural landscapes and wonderful weather, such as Asir, Al-Baha, and Taif.
   Thank you, Excellency, for this meeting, the warm reception, and the interest in developing Saudi-Japanese relations.