H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has received Yoshimasa Hayashi, Foreign Minister of Japan in Abu Dhabi yesterday. They discussed strategic relations between the two countries and ways of boosting joint cooperation prospects in various fields.

The two sides also discussed the situation in the region, issues of mutual interest, in addition to the latest regional and international developments, including the developments in Ukraine and the significance of enhancing international efforts to reach a political solution to the crisis.

The two ministers also discussed the efforts being made to achieve stability and balance in the international energy and commodities markets in light of the repercussions of this crisis.

Sheikh Abdullah and Minister Hayashi also spoke about Japan's participation in the Expo 2020 Dubai and the role of this prominent international event in exploring promising prospects for mutual cooperation between the two countries.

The two sides also spoke about Osaka's preparations to host the next edition of the World Expo, which is scheduled to take place from 13th April to 13th October 2025, in Yumeshima Island in Osaka, Japan. This is the third time Osaka will host a World Expo, after hosting two previous editions in 1970 and 1990.

Sheikh Abdullah welcomed the visit of the Japanese Foreign Minister, highlighting the strategic relations between the UAE and Japan, and his keenness to enhance the joint cooperation prospects in different domains in a way that will benefit the interests of the two friendly countries and their peoples.

He also expressed his best wishes for Osaka in hosting the next edition of the World Expo, praising Japan's outstanding participation at Expo 2020 Dubai.

For his side, Minister Hayashi underlined his country's keenness to boost strategic relations with the UAE in various domains, commending the outstanding organisation of Expo 2020 Dubai and its success in holding a distinguished edition of this international event despite the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting was attended by Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State, and Shihab Ahmed Alfaheem, the Ambassador of UAE to Japan.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed also hosted a dinner banquet in honour of Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and the accompanying delegation.