The Sasakawa Peace Foundation, through the Sasakawa Middle East Islam Fund established in April 2009, will organize a seminar titled The Middle East in a Global Perspective, with Pier Shammas, a renowned journalist from Lebanon, as the lecturer.

Mr. Shammas has authored numerous political and economic articles about the region, drawing on his unique network that includes members of royalty, government, business circles and journalism. The Middle East is important for Japan as our energy lifeline, but there are at present only limited exchanges between us in other areas. We have asked Mr. Shammas to give us the benefit of his long experience and knowledge of the region from a macroscopic perspective by focusing on current and core issues and their origins, as well as prospects for the future.

We hope you will take advantage of this excellent opportunity and join us.