The Arab League hosted the first Arab-Japanese Youth Forum at its Cairo headquarters, highlighting cultural dialogue as a pillar of stronger ties between the Arab world and Japan. The gathering came as Japan reaffirmed its $230 million humanitarian aid package for Palestine.
Ambassador Oka Hiroshi, Japan’s envoy to Egypt, said youth dialogue was essential to advancing mutual understanding. “Young people are the leaders of the future who will take Arab-Japanese relations to broader horizons,” he told participants.
He added that Japan remained deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, praising the Arab League’s efforts to push for a ceasefire. Since October 2023, Tokyo has provided $230 million in aid for health, food, and financial support to the Palestinian Authority, he said, stressing Japan’s support for a two-state solution.
The forum brought together about 20 Arab youth and 13 Japanese participants, including young diplomats and students of Arabic in Egypt.
The ambassador noted that cultural and educational exchanges stem from a 2013 memorandum of understanding with the Arab League, which has led to language programs, training opportunities, and exchanges for young diplomats.
From the Arab League side, Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Saleh Suleiman Al-Ajiri underscored the importance of cultural dialogue as a foundation for Arab-Japanese cooperation. “This forum marks the first time such a gathering is held at the League’s headquarters in Cairo, reflecting our commitment to deepening cultural bridges,” he said.
Al-Ajiri recalled that cooperation with Japan has expanded steadily since the launch of the Arab-Japanese Economic Forum in 2009, followed by ministerial political dialogue in 2013 and the signing of a memorandum of cooperation later that year. Recent Arab League resolutions, including one in April, reaffirmed member states’ commitment to strengthening ties with Japan across political, economic, social, and cultural fields.
He added that training programs, exchange visits, and internships for young Arab students demonstrate the depth of collaboration. “This forum aims to introduce Arab and Japanese youth to each other’s cultures and expand areas of closeness,” Al-Ajiri said, expressing hope the meeting would yield practical recommendations to sustain dialogue.
Both sides emphasized that youth engagement and cultural exchange remain central to building a brighter future for Arab-Japanese relations.
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