Thu 15 Feb 2024
Japan is in the process of granting visa-free travel for Kuwaitis and is close to implementing waivers for diplomats, according to a senior official.
Japanese Ambassador Morino Yasunari stated that the Japanese government is actively working to streamline travel for Kuwaiti citizens to Japan, undertaking various measures to achieve this objective.
“We are currently striving to exempt Kuwaiti individuals holding official and diplomatic passports from visa requirements. We have already reached a preliminary agreement with the Kuwaiti government and are awaiting final procedures,” Ambassador Morino remarked.
When questioned about the possibility of extending tourism visas following the approval for official and diplomatic passports, Ambassador Morino expressed, “Certainly, that would be the subsequent phase. We will engage in discussions with the Kuwaiti government on facilitating people’s mobility.”
Over 5,000 citizens have visited Japan in the past year, and there have been student exchanges between the two nations.
These statements were made during an Embassy reception commemorating the Emperor of Japan’s birthday, attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
Ambassador Morino commended the longstanding relations between the two countries and expressed Japan’s interest in attracting foreign investments from Kuwait.
“We take pride in our high-quality human capital and competitive R&D. Japan aims to achieve a 100 trillion yen ($666 billion) investment balance by 2030,” he remarked.
Regarding the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, the Ambassador disclosed that it is just over a year away from the grand international event’s opening.
“We anticipate that the 2025 Expo, to be held in Osaka and the Kansai area, will be a groundbreaking occasion to reaffirm the significance of mutual understanding, harmony, and cooperation for peace and the further advancement of humanity,” he added.