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Japan’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs congratulated the UAE on its success in creating a diverse economy.
Giving the main address as part of Japan’s role of guest country for the World Government Summit 2017, Kentaro Sonoura said: “We deeply respect the record of the UAE in building an open society, a society that does not rely solely on oil, but one that has established itself as a hub for business in the region.”
“Your commitment to the environment, public safety, public health and medical care, human development and good governance are examples to governments around the world.”
Sonoura said a government’s most important role was investing in the future, particularly investment in education and information – citing the Japanese education system’s emphasis on civic responsibility. Students are encouraged to clean their schools to teach them respect of the shared space, and they are also taught to honour and respect their elders, he explained.
In addition, physical training teaches them cooperation, a part of innovation, science and technology.
Japan’s historic investment in education was one of the reasons it was quick to recover from defeat in the Second World War to once again become a key economic player, said Sonoura.
“The Government of Japan still attaches the highest priority to offering equal opportunities for all citizens, and is expanding scholarships so that everyone can realise their dreams, regardless of the material wealth of their upbringing,” he said.
Access for all to education meant the ability to foster innovation, he said, saying: “There should be no limit or social barriers that hinder the intellectual curiosity of inventors.”
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