Guidelines

The SMEIF aims to further broaden and deepen political, economic, social and cultural exchanges and understanding between Japan and the Middle East. Relations between these countries currently focus on economics, primarily on issues of supply and demand in terms of oil, natural gas and other energy resources. While there is a need to develop more multifaceted exchanges, to be contended with first is the question of the disparity in information available and lack of a shared understanding in Japan and the Middle East. To resolve there issues, the SMEIF has developed these guidelines, and implements projects designed to expand relations and deepen understanding between Japan and the Middle East.

1. Disseminating information from Japan

With the prevalence of the Internet, outdated images of Japan have become more firmly entrenched in the Middle East, and old stereotypes taken from certain animated films have shaped and unbalanced view of Japan in this region. The SMEIF is working to disseminate more contemporary information related to politics, economics, society and culture in Japan in order to promote a better understanding of modern Japan among the people of the Middle East.

2. People exchanges

To promote a deeper understanding between the Middle East and Japan, the SMEIF invites people from Middle Eastern countries who hold important positions in their respective fields, as well as emerging leaders in various disciplines, to visit Japan. The SMEIF also hosts a wide array of individual-level exchanges between experts and scholars in specialized fields, media figures and young people.

3. Capacity building

The SMEIF supports efforts in Japan and the Middle East to train outstanding young people who will serve as the leaders of their generation in the political, economic, social, cultural and educational fields. Participants in these capacity-building programs aspire to promote smooth, collaborative relations between Japan and the Middle East.

4. Research on maritime security

Maintaining a safe, uninterrupted and secure channel for transporting resources from the Middle East to Japan is of vital importance for Japan, which still depends on the Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf) in the Middle East for the majority of its oil and other energy resources. The SMEIF therefore examines and conducts research into security issues in Middle Eastern countries and the region as a whole.