As I complete my mission as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I would like to express my profound gratitude to everyone who helped me discharge my responsibility. My three years here have been extremely exciting.
Among many things to remember, I would like to specifically refer to three.
One, in many ways, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has attracted me so much.
I am attracted to Saudi Arabia, because I feel the wisdom and vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah with which he is leading the country to further development and prosperity. I especially support the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on interfaith dialogues and dialogue among civilizations, not only because mutual understanding and friendship are of utmost importance for the future of mankind, but because Japan as a country and nation of distinct civilization firmly believes in such dialogues.
I am attracted to Saudi Arabia, because I have found a warm heart in the leadership and the people alike. All the Japanese people were heartened and encouraged by the sympathy and solidarity and support extended to the affected when Japan suffered the unprecedented disaster last year. Saudi contributions to peace and development of the world, especially of this region, are innumerable.
I was attracted to Saudi Arabia when I began to learn that it is quite different from how it is seen from outside. The more I learn about the people, the more I am attracted, and it has become difficult to leave.
Two, the relationship between Japan and the Kingdom is of strategic nature. It should be looked at from a long-term perspective. What should be done now is for us to find good seeds of cooperation and sow them, leaving the next generations to reap the harvest. During the past three years, many seeds of cooperation have been sown in various fields, not only economic and business, but also sport, culture, education, civil society exchanges including youth, medical, defense, etc. As a result, the scope of cooperation has been substantially broadened and deepened.
Three, throughout the course of history, both the Japanese and Saudis have developed characters and values uniquely own. The Saudi people have developed such characters as being hospitable, direct, and tolerant. On our part, the Japanese people have developed creativity, discipline, and resilience. It is my view that if we both could effectively combine these qualities, thereby complementing each other, we would be able to make a significant and important contribution to the stability and prosperity of the world. Here, “complementarity” should be one of our guiding principles for the years to come.
Yet, differences do exist, as we are geographically located more than 8,000 kilometers apart. Over the years, both of us have developed different personalities, endowed with different ways of thinking, and different cultures and traditions.
We speak different languages. But I believe these very differences between our personalities and cultures should be appreciated as creating richer values for all. An ancient Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, said that the most beautiful tune is born from differences. In reality, however things may not be so easy or simple as being said, it must be reminded that differences may mean something else. We should not fall into a trap in which differences would become sources of friction and conflict. That is why I stress that consistent commitment to dialogue at all levels — a kind of dialogue based on mutual learning — is essential. Dialogue should not be necessarily limited to the exchange of pleasantries, but include sharing of sharply differing perspectives. Such dialogue will certainly entail courage and endurance. The impact of this kind of humanistic interaction can move our history in a new direction. I believe that Japan and Saudi Arabia can offer a very good example in this regard.
Japan and Saudi Arabia are located at both ends of Asia: Japan far east, whereas the Kingdom far west. In 10 years’ time, I would like to see the scope of our bilateral cooperation more widened, deepened, and varied. I dream of a rainbow of partnership, linking our two countries over the Asian continent.
I am sad to leave Saudi Arabia, which has attracted me so much, but I am happy that I can do so with many wonderful memories.
Finally, I wish the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman, and the Saudi people the best of health and prosperity.
— Shigeru Endo — ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
