Amman: Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Saleh Kharabsheh, underscored the commitment to strengthening economic and social cooperation between Arab countries and Japan during his speech at the opening of the Fifth Japan-Arab Economic Forum on Wednesday.
The fifth session of the Arab-Japanese Economic Forum, held in Tokyo over two days, addresses topics related to sectors of flexible economic development between Japan and the Arab countries, namely energy security for both supply and demand sides, digital infrastructure, and innovation with emerging technology, including artificial intelligence and the metaverse.
It also covers Japanese-Arab sustainable economic development in the field of clean energy technologies, actions for sustainable development goals, and human resources development in the field of energy and digitalization.
Kharabsheh represented the Kingdom, which currently chairs the Economic and Social Council of the Arab League in its current session.
According to a ministry statement,
Kharabsheh emphasized that the forum reflects the rich history of cooperation and joint achievements between the Arab world and Japan across various sectors, including trade, investment, and technology transfer. He highlighted the forum’s theme for this year, which focuses on energy transition and environmental sustainability, stressing the importance of continued partnership in addressing the urgent challenges of our time.
He highlighted that transitioning to sustainable energy sources, adopting green technology, and preserving the environment are not only strategic necessities but also moral duties to ensure the well-being of the planet and future generations.
Kharabsheh noted that rapid technological advancements, including artificial intelligence and digital transformation, play a vital role in driving innovation and efficiency in the energy sector. He added that adopting these technologies could revolutionize how energy is generated, distributed, and consumed, leading to more sustainable practices and
enhanced environmental care. He stressed the power of cooperation in promoting progress and innovation.
He praised the partnerships that have facilitated the exchange of knowledge, technology, and experience between Arab countries and Japan, highlighting the valuable contributions from the private sector. He also commended the cultural exchange programs and educational initiatives between Arab countries and Japan, which have enriched societies and deepened mutual understanding.
Kharabsheh pointed to the promising opportunities for future cooperation between Japan and Arab countries in various fields. He expressed confidence that discussions and cooperation during the forum will strengthen ties, inspire new initiatives, and pave the way for projects that benefit societies and the environment while promoting artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
The forum is held under a memorandum of cooperation signed in 2009 between Japan and the Arab League to enhance cooperation between Japan and the Arab
countries. It was established as a framework for dialogue at the ministerial level to strengthen economic relations between Japan and the Arab countries through cooperation in a wide range of economic fields, including trade, investment, energy, science, technology, and human resources development.
The Arab side in the forum is represented by several ministers from the sectors of energy, trade, industry, and economy, aiming to exchange views on the most important issues of common interest in the regional and international arena.
The forum was organized by the General Secretariat of the Arab League in cooperation with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Japan External Trade Organization.
Source: Jordan News Agency
