KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN
On September 11th, 2024, the International School Network visited the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Japan for an interview with the Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Yusuf ALDOSERI.
Bahrain and Japan share a strong, long-standing relationship across politics, economics, humanitarian aid, sports, education, and tourism. Economically, their trade amounts to $2 billion. Bahrain exports goods like oil, fiberglass, jellyfish, crab, and aluminum to Japan. Notably, Bahrain's fiberglass is used in Japanese trains, and its jellyfish is utilized in Japan's pharmaceutical industry. In return, Bahrain imports high-quality Japanese technology, including automobiles and electrical equipment, which Bahrainis value for their durability despite the cost. Mr. ALDOSERI mentioned that Japanese cuisine is also popular in Bahrain, with many Japanese restaurants.
The people of Bahrain are united by their shared religion, culture, and strong family values. The country’s small size and population of about 1.5 million fosters a sense of being "one big family." Family values are crucial, with children often continuing to live with their parents even after marriage. Mr. ALDOSERI emphasized the importance of caring for parents, as they cared for you, and maintaining close contact.
Bahrain boasts a rich tourism sector with many historical sites. Archaeological sites dating back over 5000 years include old forts, castles, and temple ruins. A unique historical site is the "burial mounds," a massive ancient graveyard where people brought the deceased, believing it to be the "land of eternity." The historic Souk, a traditional market, is filled with antiques, spices, and local goods. Bahrain also has modern attractions like shopping malls, movie theaters, and bars. The country is religiously diverse, with mosques, temples, churches, and synagogues. It is home to the first Formula 1 circuit in the Middle East, which opened in 2004, and one of the largest theme parks. Medical tourism is also a growing sector.
As a child, Mr. ALDOSERI aspired to be a doctor or an engineer. He later chose to study commerce, business, and finance at university before joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His diplomatic career began in the financial department, where he worked with the United Nations in New York for nine years. Driven by an interest in politics, he transitioned to the political department and served as an ambassador in Germany and Belgium before his current post in Japan. He shared that his career journey shows that aspirations, studies, and eventual careers can differ, but the most important thing is to enjoy what you do.
On the topic of world peace, he believes we must learn to live as one family in a "global village." The first step is to accept one another and learn to coexist in harmony despite differences in nationality, traits, color, and religion. As an ambassador, his primary goal is to further strengthen the relationship between Japan and Bahrain. He hopes to see more Bahraini students study in Japan's excellent education system and increase tourism between the two nations. He is also passionate about his role, enjoying Japan’s safety and the opportunities to improve the strong friendship between the two countries. He is working to ensure that Bahrainis in Japan feel safe and to increase business and investment opportunities.
KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN
IThe International School Network went to the Embassy of Bahrain and interviewed the Ambassador, Dr. Khalil Hassan about his country, Bahrain. He also kindly presented books to us.
links to their websites
The Kingdom of Bahrain is located in the central southern shores of the Arabian Gulf and on the western shores of the Persian Gulf. "Bahrain" means "two seas" in Arabic. One theory of the two seas of Bahrain is that the two seas represent the pure water on the island and the seawater around it. The pure water allows the country to be very green. Some consider that Bahrain was the location of the Garden of Eden. The ancient land of Bahrain was an trading point between the Mesopotamian and Indus civilization.
Now the Kingdom of Bahrain plays an important role in financial banking in the Gulf region, balancing act in foreign affairs among its neighbors. Bahrain is a beautiful and harmonious country of a diverse community.
Kate Shimizu
Bahrain and Japan - Island nations benefit each other through trade
Bahrain and Japan’s national relation started in 1934 when the first oil ship was sent to Japan. Bahrain takes part of the Japanese economy, exporting natural resources. These include petroleum and aluminium products. This plays an important role in Japanese society as an energy source having oil as the primary fuel for the transportation systems. Prime Minister Mr.Shinzo Abe has visited Bahrain last August to ask corporations for future trade among Japan.
On the other hand, Bahrain imports products from Japan which makes their economy diverse. As Bahrain aims to have an eco friendly environment to maintain their nature, they take in Japanese technology such as recycling methods and solar panels. Technology of Japanese solar panels is considered valuable as its manufacture is one of the world’s largest solar market in volume, having the most efficient mass production with thin film modules.
Therefore, the economies of Japan and Bahrain are maintained by supporting each other’s needs by trading natural resources and their technological skills. The two countries fill in each others needs to build a perfect relationship like a puzzle. (Kate Shimizu)
(Reported by Madoka Nishina)
Participants
Madoka Nishina 11th Saint Maur International School
Kate Shimizu 11th Seisen International School