Japan-Arab Economic Cooperation Forum Opens in Tokyo

Tokyo, Dec. 16 (Jiji Press)--Japan and about 20 Arab League member states, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq, held in Tokyo Monday a ministerial meeting to discuss measures to enhance their cooperation in such fields as trade, investment and energy. At the opening ceremony for the third Japan-Arab Economic Forum meeting in the morning, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Toshimitsu Motegi said Japan can be a reliable partner for the Arab nations through promoting exchange programs in nuclear power, renewable energy, medical care and other areas that directly link to people's lives. At the end of their plenary meeting in the afternoon, the participating ministries will adopt a joint statement on further strengthening of Japan-Arab economic ties. The statement is expected to call for collaboration not only in natural gas and oil development but in the fields related to infrastructure, food and medical care, informed sources said. The last day of the two-day economic forum will be devoted to country-by-country workshops. END