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13-03-2019

Times of Oman

Muscat: Japan’s ambassador to Oman has encouraged more local students to study in Japan, after welcoming students who had gone under scholarships to his homeland.

Toshinori Kobayashi was addressing a group of students who had travelled to Japan to study under MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) scholarships, on 11 March 2019

“As the newly appointed Ambassador to Oman, I am delighted to welcome those who have studied in Japan as former MEXT scholarship students, both in research and teacher training programmes,” he said. “Our first scholarship students travelled to Japan in 1994, and since then, the number has continuously grown, reaching 28 today for those who have completed their studies in Japan, together with six students currently studying in Japan.

“They are actively working in various fields - the news of our scholarship student, Ms. Muna Al Habsi, who is working with Dr Honjo, the award winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine last year, is still fresh in our memory,” he added. “In addition to this, three Japanese companies, Mitsui Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation and Sumitomo Corporation, are offering scholarships to young talented Omanis and month, we are sending two more new students to Japan as MEXT scholarship students. As all of the alumni did, they will have their good times and maybe some hard times in their new environment. I am certain, however, that they will overcome the difficulties with their strength and with the support of their new friends in Japan, coming back to Oman one day as a bridge between two countries.”

Kobayashi was coincidentally speaking on the 8th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake – the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that rocked parts of the island. Oman was among those nations that provided aid to Japan when they needed it, and the ambassador took the time out to thank his Omani counterparts for their efforts.

“Eight years have passed, and Japan has almost completely recovered from the damage,” he said. “We are proud of the people of Japan’s strength and discipline witnessed right after the earthquake as well as during the reconstruction process. The disaster also reminded us of our friendship with other countries through their support of Japan. Oman was no exception - the government of Oman and Omani people extended strong support, which we will never forget. In fact, we received the fourth biggest donation to the Japanese Red Cross Society from Oman. We sincerely appreciate all the support you have given to us.”

Kobayashi added, “I am also delighted to welcome our guests from Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education, who are always staunch supporters of our scholarship programme. I would like to extend my special thanks to His Excellency Abdullah Al Sarmi, Undersecretary of Ministry of Higher Education, for his understanding and encouragement of our embassy and our students”.