Asahi Shimbun October 13, 2007

（English translation）

Headline:

Oman Expert

−The First Japanese Private Civilian, awarded an Order for his efforts for promotion of exchange

Body Text:

Mr. Haruo Endo (74), introducing himself as “Oman Expert”, was awarded by the Government of the Sultanate of Oman “HM Sultan Qaboos Order for Culture, Science and Arts(1^st degree) for the first time as the first Japanese private civilian. He retired from an Oil company at the age of 58 and joined JICA and worked with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry twice. His contribution to the industrial development during his term and publication of books on Oman ,etc. were appreciated by the Government.

Although Oman is not a very big oil and gas producing country, it is located outside of the Strait of Hormuz and faces the Indian Ocean. Mr. Endo stresses, ”Oman is near to India and Iran. Guarding the Strait of Hormuz, it is an important country in geopolitical terms. We should pay more attention”.

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He is contributing also to grass-root exchange by introducing Japanese students to Oman and taking care of Omani students in Japan. He is working on his third book entitled “History of Exchange between Japan and Oman.