Kuwait, Japan issue joint statement at conclusion of Kuwaiti PM''s visit

Upon an invitation of Japanese Premier Yasuo Fukuda, HH the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah paid an official visit to Japan accompanied by a high-level delegation on July 26-29, 2008.
His Majesty the Emperor of Japan received HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Sabah in Imperial Audience.
Also formal discussions were held between Japan and the State of Kuwait, during which Premier Yasuo chaired the Japanese side, while HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Sabah chaired the Kuwaiti side. The two sides expressed deep satisfaction with the outstanding development in the recent Japanese-Kuwaiti relations, and confirmed their determination to promote these prosperous relations, noting the importance of the visit of HH Sheikh Nasser to Japan, terming it as "a historic opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries." The two sides expressed their expectations for the success of the coming year of 2011, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, in which mutual visits by prominent figures of the two countries, and a variety of commemorative events encompassing wide-ranging areas such as politics, economy, culture, science, tourism and student exchanges will take place, in order to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
The two sides expressed their satisfaction with the development in the bilateral relations between them in various fields, especially commercial and economic relations, and commended the role played by the Kuwaiti-Japanese Businessmen Committee. The two sides also welcomed the signing of the Memorandum on establishing a Joint Committee between the two governments to further activate cooperation in all fields, particularly economic and commercial ones.
The two sides welcomed the signing of a Memorandum between the Ministries of Foreign Affaires in the two countries for political consultations.
The two sides reiterated common view that stability of world oil market is a cornerstone for the sound and sustainable growth of world economy. In this regard, the two sides shared the view that the current oil price level is unprecedented, and it is against the interest of both oil consuming and producing countries. The Japanese side also expressed its appreciation for the significant role of Kuwait as a major oil producing and exporting country, and welcomed the Kuwaiti initiative to increase its oil production within the first half of next year. The Kuwaiti side expressed its commitment to assure stable oil supplies to Japan. Both sides reaffirmed their desire to strengthen technical cooperation in the upstream and other oil sectors, and decided to start a joint research project concerning the Co2-enhanced oil recovery as a first step.
The two sides confirmed the importance of promoting renewable energy and energy conservation in order to secure stable energy supply, protecting natural environment, as well as achieving economic growth. From this standpoint, the two sides decided to strengthen bilateral cooperation on the basis of Japan's long-term experiences, and its advanced technology in the fields of renewable energy, the conservation of energy and water, energy management and alternative energy sources. In this regard, the two sides welcomed the conclusion of a MOU between the Ministry of Electricity and Water of Kuwait and Toyota Tsusho Corporation on solar-integrated combined cycle, and expressed intention to render continuous support for the execution of the project. They also expressed willingness to support such renewable energy and energy conservation projects as mentioned in the Joint Statement issued by the two Governments in May 2007.
The two sides addressed the negotiations regarding the Convention of the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, and expressed intention to make efforts towards concluding the convention at the earliest time. They also confirmed the importance of the negotiations between Japan and the GCC regarding the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and expressed determination to reach an agreement in principle as soon as possible. The Kuwaiti side expressed desire to start the negotiations for an agreement on the promotion and mutual protection of investments between the two countries.
The Kuwaiti side expressed its appreciation for the continued bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the field of environmental projects that began with the Kuwait-Japan Cooperation on Environmental Issues and Technology Transfer in December 2002, of which achievements were the Environmental Rehabilitation of Kuwait Bay, the Modernization of Oil Industry and the Human Resources Development Program. The Kuwaiti side also expressed its appreciation for the master plan of the Environment Protection Policy of the State of Kuwait in November 2004. The two sides expressed appreciation for the achievement of experimental introduction of the Environmental Educational Program; KIDS ISO 14000, and their willingness to expand and support this program in Kuwait in a consistent manner.
The Kuwaiti side commended the initiative of Japan shown at the G-8 Hokkido Toyako Summit meeting, and the fourth international conference of Tokyo on the African development (Ticad IV), while the Japanese side expressed appreciation for the active Kuwaiti assistance towards the development of countries, including Africa through KFAED and the Red Crescent Society.
The Kuwaiti side expressed its appreciation for Japan's initiative in "The dialogue of cultures between Japan and the Islamic world", so as to deepen the mutual understanding. The Japanese side also expressed its appreciation for the Kuwaiti intent to host the 7th seminar regarding the dialogue.
The two sides expressed their wholehearted satisfaction with the ongoing educational cooperation and personal exchanges between the two countries, especially the training programs for Kuwaiti educationists offered by the Government of Japan, the opening of a Japanese Language course at Kuwait University's Center for Community Service and Continued Education and the round-table for returned Kuwaiti students from Japan hosted by the Embassy of Japan in the State of Kuwait. Both sides decided to study means to further expand such cooperation in the field of education.
The Kuwaiti side appreciated the outcome of the G-8 Hokkido Toyako Summit and major economies meeting, and the Japanese Initiative" cool Earth 50" and "cool Earth promotion program". The two sides shared the view that Japan and Kuwait will be actively engaged in a process to establish an effective framework beyond 2012, in which all major economies participate in a responsible way, in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. Both sides recognized that among others, sectored approach is a useful tool for reducing global green house gas emissions. The Japanese side welcomed the Kuwaiti pledge of USD 150 Million for climate change, including Carbon capture and storage announced at OPEC Riyadh Summit in November 2007.
Both sides emphasized the great significance of the stability in the Middle East to the world as a whole. They reaffirmed as well their close cooperation for the stability and prosperity of the region, giving a great importance to the peace process in the Middle East, the reconstruction of Iraq and the war against terrorism.
The two sides reviewed the current situation in Iraq and welcomed the positive progress of the achieved breakthrough in the security situation in Iraq. They also stressed the importance of ac