*** ----> ‘INDEX 2016 success will help boost Bahrain-Japan relations’ | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

‘INDEX 2016 success will help boost Bahrain-Japan relations’

Manama : The success of the International Youth Development Exchange (INDEX) 2016 will contribute to the future development of mutual understanding between Japan and Bahrain, said Japanese Ambassador Kiyoshi Asako. 

He was speaking at a press conference on the occasion of the arrival of INDEX programme participants at the Japanese Embassy. Seven Bahraini youths have participated in the INDEX 2016 held between September 26 and October 11. 

“Nowadays, with the technology and Internet you can get information about Japan easily, but it is not the same as being there. The actual experience that these seven Bahrainis gained in Japan increases their knowledge and widens their perspective, to understand Japan more, I wish that you will cherish these memories   forever and share your experience with others,” Asako said.

“I am so glad that all participants could enjoy the programme and made many friends from Japan and other countries. Your success will surely contribute in mutual   understanding between our two friendly people, and the Embassy of Japan would like to keep providing these programmes continuously,” the Ambassador added. 

The INDEX programme aims to promote mutual friendship and understanding between Japanese youths and youths of other countries; to broaden international perspectives, to foster the spirit of international cooperation, and develop the ability to put these into practice. 

The objective of the programme is to nurture and develop the youths who can demonstrate leadership skills in various fields in a global society, and to encourage social contribution activities by the youths.

The Bahraini delegation, led by Yaqoob Yusuf Isa al Najem, included Haitham Ali Jassim Al Haddad, Maryam Abbas Mahmood Al Kooheji, Amna Nabeel Abdulla Yusuf, Maryam Hassan Mahmood, Noof Hayel Mohammed Al Qahtani and Duaa Farooq Abdullah Mohammed.

Bahrain has been given the chance for 14 times to participate in various Japanese government youth programmes including SWY (Ship for World Youth) programme that saw participation of 133 Bahraini youths since 1997. These programmes are one of the most important of Japanese government’s projects, which have been strengthening the relationship between Bahrain and Japan.