Japan, Saudi Arabia to cooperate in water projects

The governments of Japan and Saudi Arabia have signed a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) under which the two countries will cooperate in water-related projects, the Qatar News Agency reported on September 18. In particular, the memorandum specifies that Japan will provide Saudi Arabia with advanced technology for a seawater desalination project in the Kingdom, as well as construct water and sewage systems. Under the terms of collaboration, experts from a major Japanese construction firm and the city of Yokohama will conduct a survey in Saudi Arabia with the aim of winning large-scale waterworks projects in the future. The Qatar News Agency also reported that Japan is aiming to leverage the water-related business opportunities into a stable supply of oil through the deepening of bilateral ties.