Iwai made the remarks during a visit to the Suez Canal
Authority (SCA), where he met with Chairman Lieutenant General Osama Rabie.
Both officials underscored the importance of bolstering cooperation between
their nations concerning the vital maritime passage.
The ambassador's visit also included an inspection of the
Suez Canal by boat, guided by SCA representatives.
The Japanese embassy highlighted the deep-rooted cooperative
ties between Japan and the Suez Canal, spanning 64 years. This collaboration
began with a Japanese company securing a contract for the canal's renovation
and repair following its nationalization. In 1975, Japan initiated extensive
economic cooperation, including a canal expansion project and the acquisition
of dredgers.
Subsequent Japanese-backed infrastructure projects included
the Martyr Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel in 1992 and the Al-Salam Suspension Bridge over
the Suez Canal in 1997.
Japan's support has extended beyond infrastructure to
include technical cooperation since 1978. This has involved hosting numerous
trainees, dispatching experts, and contributing to the development of the SCA's
human resources.
Japan also backed the creation of the SCA's "Economic
Unit," responsible for formulating transit fee policies and evaluating
canal management practices.
The embassy added that ongoing scientific research exchange between Japanese universities and the SCA further solidifies the long-standing relationship between the two sides.