Sultanate of Oman

Road of Friendship: Japan and Oman Oman, with its long history and tradition esteemed in the Gulf Arab region, has been promoting friendly relations with Japan in the fields of economy, technical assistance and co-operation as well as in cultural activities since 1972 when the two nations formally established diplomatic ties. For Oman as a stable energy supplier, Japan is the largest trading partner and has been the largest importer of Omani crude oil. Natural gas which is considered a more environmentally friendly energy for the future, is one of Oman's core bases of growing economy. In the area of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) , some of Japan's major companies actively involve in the investment, with Japanese shipbuilding firms building LNG carriers for Oman, with some of the tankers jointly shared between Omani and Japanese sides. In other projects such as port development, oil refinery, power generation, and water desalination plants, Japanese companies work closely with Omani counterparts. In terms of trade, Japanese automobiles, home appliances are exported to Oman whereas Oman offers a lot other than oil and gas, like dates which is a staple ingredient for Japanese-style savory pancake OKONOMIYAKI, green beans, lobsters, marbles, to name a few. Oman's frankincense, for instance, is sought after in Japan for its highest quality and the finest aroma. Oman is dubbed 'A Pearl of the Arabian Peninsula'. Endowed with yet to be discovered beauties of nature, Oman is a destination where an increasing number of Japanese holiday makers are eager to visit. Oman is geographically the closest to Japan in the Middle East. Marking such events as TRH Prince and Princess' visit to Oman, the heartening 'Hiroshima-Oman Friendship Society' established as a result of Yasuhigashi Community citizens' support of Omani Team to the Asian Athletic Meet held in Hiroshima, Japanese Youth Ship visit to Oman, Sultan Qaboos Rose exhibited in the World Flower Expo. in Osaka, and recently the World Cup Soccer 's Asia district match between Japan and Oman, the two countries are becoming ever more closer on the road to genuinely friendly relationship.