Muscat – The Government of Oman has received the distinguished Shokumon award from the University of Tokyo in recognition of its contributions to academic research and cultural exchange in Middle Eastern studies.

The award was presented at a ceremony in Tokyo last week, where H E Dr Mohammed bin Said al Busaidi, Oman’s Ambassador to Japan, accepted the honour on behalf of the Omani government.

The recognition highlights the impact of the Sultan Qaboos Chair for Middle Eastern Studies, established at the university in 2011, which has become an important platform for dialogue and research in regional affairs.

The Shokumon award is the highest distinction granted by the University of Tokyo to individuals or institutions that have made exceptional contributions to its academic and research mission.

The recognition marks a historic milestone for Oman as it is the first time an Arab government has received the award in the university’s history.