It is a great honor to celebrate the occasion of the birthday of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito. On Feb. 23, Naruhito turns 62. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the ongoing friendly relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia.

On behalf of the Japanese citizens, I would love to extend my sincere congratulations on Saudi Arabia’s 91st National Day to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi people.

I am Iwai Fumio, the Japanese ambassador to Saudi Arabia. I am grateful that Arab News has given me the opportunity to introduce myself and my assignment here, on the occasion of the 61st birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan Naruhito which falls on Feb. 23.