1,000 arrive in Jeddah on Japanese Peace Boat

The Japanese “Peace Boat” arrived in Jeddah yesterday, carrying 1,000 passengers, including a number of Hiroshima survivors.
They were received by Nizar Madani, state minister for foreign affairs, and a number of Saudi officials.
The Peace Boat is a nonprofit nongovernmental organization based in Tokyo concerned mainly with promoting world peace, human rights, equality, sustainable development and environment protection.
It has already made 100 trips since it was first launched in 1983 as an Asian initiative that later expanded to other areas.
Jun Yoshida, the Japanese consul general, said the Peace Boat shows Japan’s determination to spread peace across the world. He said his country has been watching events in the Middle East and seeks to find lasting, peaceful solutions that will guarantee stability in the region.
This is the boat’s second visit to Saudi Arabia and has provided Japanese people the opportunity to become acquainted with Saudi culture and the country’s historic sites.
At Saudi stalls at the harbor, Japanese passengers can buy various souvenirs and handmade objects created by Saudi families and craftsmen.
They can also visit a “desert camp” that can accommodate 1,000 people, which features folk shows and cultural performances.
Visitors can also go to the tower at Jeddah Islamic Port, where 150 people will be chosen to listen to lectures on Saudi Arabia’s role in world peace and the promotion of dialogue among various countries.
Passengers will be given English language pamphlets about Saudi Arabia and receive copies of a book entitled “Voice of change.” Another book, entitled “Islam’s Position on Terrorism and Extremism,” will also be distributed.