CAIRO: The Arab-Japanese Youth Forum: Bridges of Dialogue and Culture kicked off Wednesday at the Arab League headquarters, bringing together young participants to exchange views and promote cultural rapprochement. The event was organized in cooperation with the Japanese Embassy in Cairo. In his opening remarks, Arab League Assistant Secretary General for Administrative and Financial Affairs Ambassador Mohammad Al-Ajery said the League attaches great importance to fostering international dialogue and cooperation.
He noted that the League has established several cooperation forums and memoranda of understanding with countries, international organizations and regional blocs, reflecting its commitment to strengthening relations with global partners. Al-Ajery highlighted the longstanding cooperation between Arab countries and Japan, which dates back to the launch of the Arab-Japanese Economic Forum in 2009 and the establishment of ministerial-level political dialogue in 2013. That year also saw the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Arab League and the Japanese government to encourage dialogue between civilizations and promote intellectual and cultural exchange.
The Arab-Japanese Youth Forum kicks off at the Arab League.- KUNA photos
He added that the League Council, in its 163rd ministerial session held in April 2025, reaffirmed the determination of member states to enhance ties with Japan in political, economic, social and cultural fields. Within this framework, the current forum was convened to introduce Arab and Japanese youth to each other’s cultures and deepen mutual understanding.
For his part, Japanese Ambassador to Cairo Fumio Iwai stressed that cultural dialogue among youth complements political and economic cooperation, helping to strengthen relations between Japan and the Arab world at the grassroots level. “We believe that youth will lead future generations towards a bright future,” he said.
Iwai also addressed regional developments, describing the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “extremely harsh.” He praised the Arab League’s efforts to improve conditions in the Strip and push for a ceasefire and the establishment of a Palestinian state. The envoy reiterated Japan’s firm support for a two-state solution and said Tokyo has provided $230 million in humanitarian aid to Palestine since October 2023, including assistance to the Palestinian Authority, health care and food relief.
The forum’s agenda includes discussions on “Youth and Cultural Diversity: Confronting Stereotypes,” exploring challenges in intercultural interaction, the role of education in fostering tolerance, and the impact of art, culture and social media in bridging societies. Participants are expected to put forward recommendations to strengthen communication between Arab and Japanese youth.
Cultural activities accompanying the forum feature traditional Japanese demonstrations, including tea ceremony and Ikebana flower arrangement, alongside Arab cultural showcases prepared by youth trainees at the Arab League’s General Secretariat. – KUNA
