By Miyoko Ishigami
(with photos) IWAKI, Japan, July 12 (KUNA) -- Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) signed a friendship agreement with Japan's tsunami-hit marine science museum on Thursday to step up cooperation and communications between the two organizations.
"Recognizing the importance of the roles they can play in this effort, KISR and Aquamarine Fukushima establish a lasting relationship," the two sides agreed in the Resolution of Friendship signed by KISR Director General Dr. Naji Al-Mutairi and Aquamarine Fukushima Executive Director Yoshitaka in the northeastern coastal city of Iwaki, with the attendance of Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi.
"Through friendship and understanding guided by the principles of equality and mutual benefit, KISR and Aquamarine Fukushima intend to cooperate in exchanging educational and conservation information, technology, husbandry techniques of aquatic species, and staff exchange," the resolution said.
KISR was established in 1967 by Tokyo-based Arabian Oil Company Ltd., in fulfillment of its obligations under the oil concession agreement with the Kuwaiti government. The institute carries out applied scientific research and studies in the various fields that contribute to Kuwait's economic, social and culture development, with its activities focusing on six areas, including food and biotechnology resources, water resources, petroleum, petrochemicals and material sciences and energy technologies.
In his speech at the signing ceremony, Dr. Al-Mutairi said "KISR started operations 45 years ago with just five people, including a founding member Mr. Katsuji Tainaka, but we now have 1,500 researchers and employees, and cooperation with some 40 institutes worldwide," noting that he made major changes since he assumed the post in 2007 to transform KISR as a renowned international institute.
"We appreciate Mr. Tainaka and Mr. Abe for their work in early days of KISR, and Arabian Oil Company for establishing the institute. Today, we are honored to have friendship and partnership with Aquamarine Fukushima," Dr. Al-Mutairi said.
With over 40 years of experience in Kuwait and the region, KISR has developed an in-depth knowledge base of the above sectors. The institute has also developed a number of proven technologies and patents that have already been applied and benefitted Kuwait and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. A number of new technologies and patents are also ready for commercialization, the document said.
As for its research related to sea life, KISR highlights two main fields. One is aquaculture, which is one of KISR's most comprehensive and distinctive programs, and involves the farming of fish such as squid, grouper, tilapia, yellow-fin bream and recently zubaidi.
The other is fisheries and marine biology management. KISR has also addressed the fish kill phenomenon experienced in recent years in Kuwait in order to determine causes and produce solutions to overcome such problems and limit their adverse effects.
Aquamarine Fukushima opened on July 15, 2000 on the coast of the Pacific Ocean with the theme of "The oceans, what they say about our future on earth." Its concept is to present an effective educational experience to citizens from Fukushima Prefecture and surrounding areas, including Tokyo, through observing marine habitats depicting the Japanese archipelago. The goal of the aquarium is raising the public's awareness of the value of conserving nature and protecting the oceans.
The marine science museum was heavily damaged by a magnitude 9.0-quake and ensuring tsunami on March 11 last year that left almost 19,000 people dead or missing in the region. During his state visit to Tokyo in March, His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah announced a USD-three-million donation to Aquamarine Fukushima for its restoration and promotion of science and technology.
For his part, Abe, who worked at KISR as a researcher in 1968-1969 expressed gratitude to HH the Amir for generous donation and warm support by the ambassador. He also thanked Dr. Al-Mutairi and KISR alumni members, especially network's Chairman Dr. Mohammad Al-Attar for coordinating the proposal to help the restoration work on the aquarium.
Japanese officials, including Professor Emeritus at Kyoto University, Dr. Miyori Kumamoto, KISR founding staff Katsuji Tainaka, Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East Managing Director Yoshitaka Nakamura, Japan-Kuwait Society Secretary General Ryuiei Izumi, Deputy Director of Fukushima prefectural government's Culture and Sports Bureau Koji Takano also attended the event.
Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) and Kuwait TV after the ceremony, Abe said "we want to use the donation in a visible way, and today's agreement is part of this plan. We are willing to deepen our friendship and promote exchanges with KISR". (end) mk.hb KUNA 121813 Jul 12NNNN