RIYADH — On Thursday (Feb. 20) Japan’s Ambassador Tsukasa Uemura hosted a reception to celebrate the 60th birthday of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito. Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed Bin Abudlrahman Bin Abdulaziz attended the reception representing the government of Saudi Arabia. Many guests from the Saudi government, diplomatic corps, private sectors and various institutions attended the reception at ambassador’s residence. Ambassador Uemura said, “Our Imperial Family and Saudi Royal Family have long enjoyed exceptionally splendid relations. Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako paid an official visit to Saudi Arabia for the first time in 1994. Frequently ever since, His Imperial Majesty has visited Saudi Arabia. “In 2017, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman became the first Saudi King to visit Japan since 1971. Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman participated in last year’s G20 Osaka summit. Prince Turki Bin Mohammed Bin Fahd attended the enthronement ceremony last year. Moreover, Prime Minister Abe’s visit to Saudi Arabia last month gave fresh momentum to our already promising relations.” The ambassador also referred to the Saudi G20 presidency this year, saying that Japan will continue to spare no effort in making Saudi G20 successful and build much more amicable and broader relations with Saudi Arabia as indispensable partners to each other. It is worth noting that, this was the first opportunity to celebrate the Emperor’s birthday under the name of Emperor Naruhito, as he ascended the throne on May 1 after his father, the Emperor Emeritus, abdicate the throne on April 30 last year. — SG