Sankei Shimbun October 3, 2007

（English translation）

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Headline:

Calling for more attention to attractiveness of Oman, other than oil

−Mr. Haruo Endo, living in Yokohama, received Culture, Science and Arts

(1^st degree)

Summary:

Mr. Haruo Endo, living in Yokohama, received Culture, Science and Arts (1^st degree)

from the Sultanate of Oman, which is located at the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsular. After having worked in Lebanon and UAE as an oilman, he worked as JICA expert in Oman, taking advantage of his longtime experience in the Middle East.

He has contributed to promotion of business and human exchange for more than twenty years and calling for Japanese people to extensively know the attractiveness of Oman, which is not so familiar in Japan.

Body Text:

In early September, he was invited to Oman and given HM Sultan Qaboos Order for Culture, Science and Arts(1^st Degree) and the testimonial through HE Minister of Diwan of royal Court. He is the first Japanese who received it. The local newspapers ran on the front page the articles on the conferment ceremony.

Among others, the publication of his book entitled “ Oman today−The Arab Nation closest to Japan (Simul Press Inc.)” is considered to be a main reason for the conferment. He extensively introduces in his book its attractiveness other than oil, such as Islamic culture, people and nature, unique good neighbor diplomacy and economic development policy of Sultan Qaboos bin Said etc. “It is more than twenty years since I got acquainted with Oman. As I like the country, I have deepened my involvement with Oman. The receipt of the Order this time was a surprise and honor”, he says.

Mr. Endo was majored in English at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and joined a Japanese oil company after his graduation. Having been working at the planning division which had nothing to do with foreign business, he faced a turning point in his life at the age of forty.

He was dispatched to Tehran and transferred to Lebanon and Abu Dhabi and traveled around the Middle East countries. He was engaged in the purchase of oil and oil exploration business. During the civil war in Lebanon, he barely escaped Beirut for his life together with his family.

Having left the oil company in 1882 and experienced his honorary fellowship at the Centre for Arab Gulf Studies at Exeter University in UK, he worked in Oman as Jica expert. He continued to expand his activities related to Oman as advisor not only to the promotion of business but also to academic exchange and assistance for Omani students in Japan.

While UAE and Saudi Arabia are attracting wide attention boosted by the hike in oil price, Oman still retains the impression of distant country. In reality, Oman is the country that defends the Strait of Hormuz where many oil tankers daily pass and taking a vital role for Japan to secure energy.

Mr. H.Endo says, “Oman is a peaceful country. Moreover, it is mountainous and beautiful and clean. People are modest, friendly and pro-Japan. I wish to continue my exchange with Oman so that I could introduce this splendid country to Japanese people”.

Outline of the Sultanate of Oman

Population:2.48 million (At the end of 2006)

Capital: Muscat

State Head: HM Sultan Qaboos bin said

National Language: Arabic

Diplomacy: nonaligned neutrality and good−neighbor policy

Main Industries: oil & gas, agriculture, fishery, copper mining

Main Exports: Oil & gas, lime, wheat flour, dates, etc.

Relation between Japan & Oman: Japan approved Oman in 1971 and established diplomatic relation in May, 1972.