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Top Japanese honour conferred on Macki

MUSCAT — Japan acknowledged Oman’s contribution in promoting business ties between the two countries. In an extraordinary gesture Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, minister of national economy and deputy chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resource Council, was decorated with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun for his contribution to the promotion of economic exchange between Japan and Oman.

Bestowing the coveted honour on the minister at a simple ceremony held at his residence yesterday Seiji Morimoto, ambassador of Japan to Oman, stated: “On November 3, 2008, Japan’s Culture Day, the Government of Japan officially conferred on Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun in recognition of his substantial contribution to the promotion of economic exchange between Oman and Japan. And we are here today to celebrate the occasion.”

Seiji Morimoto said: “In the thirteen years stint of Macki as minister of national economy we have witnessed a dramatic development of economic relations between our two countries and it is more than fair to state that the minister has dedicated himself to this positive development.

“Macki greatly contributed to the development of Omani LNG sector by encouraging the participation of Japanese corporations. Also, the minister supported the participation of Japanese corporations in the development of industrial infrastructure, such as port, refinery, and fertiliser factory in Sohar, the Quriyat-Sur carriageway and Duqum port,” he said.

“Moreover, as chairman and the founding father of the Oman Shipping Company, Macki embarked on the revival of the traditions of seafaring in Oman, in cooperation with a Japanese shipping company,” he added.

Lauding Macki’s role in creating an atmosphere of friendship and goodwill between the two countries, Seiji Morimoto said the fact that minister has received scores of congratulatory messages on being bestowed the honour speaks of how much he is admired in Japan.

Accepting the honour Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki said that he is honoured by being decorated with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun and added that the recognition speaks of the excellent relations between the two countries and urged both sides to work harder to further strengthen the fruitful ties.

He summed up the proceedings by saying that the award represents a great boost for the mutual cooperation which is deeply rooted. Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, deputy prime minister of Qatar, is the other AGCC personality to be conferred with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun this year.