Japan to help Saudi Arabia's economic reform скачать в хорошем качестве

Japan to help Saudi Arabia's economic reform

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has offered to help Saudi Arabia in its effort to achieve economic reform and reduce its dependence on oil production. Abe met Saudi Arabia's Deputy Crown Prince and defense minister Mohammed bin Salman Al-Saud in Tokyo on Thursday. The 31-year old prince is a key figure in making policy decisions in the country. In the meeting, Abe said that Saudi Arabia is important to Japan not only as a source of energy supplies, but also for the major business opportunities it provides and in terms of the stability of the Middle East. He said that the world is eyeing how the deputy crown prince will exercise his leadership to drastically change the kingdom's economy and society. Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed said that bilateral relations are important, and that exchanges in various areas are possible. He said it's important for Saudi Arabia and Japan to work together for the stability of the Middle East. The two leaders agreed to jointly launch a ministerial conference to discuss concrete ways to help Saudi achieve economic reforms. They also agreed that the first meeting will be held in Saudi Arabia next month. The two countries later signed a memorandum pledging to step up cooperation in seven fields, including cultural exchange and small business. Prince Mohammed was named deputy crown prince, the second in line to the throne, when his father King Salman took the throne last year. He was also appointed to the chair of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs. He drew international attention in April when he unveiled the economic reform plan "Vision 2030" designed to reduce Saudi's dependence on oil.