Saudi ambassador pays tribute to Hiroshima and Nagasaki ‘epic story’

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr said that he was honored to represent the Kingdom for the first time at the peace memorial ceremonies this week in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in memory of the atomic bombs dropped on both cities 79 years ago.

“It was both a privilege and an honor to attend the ceremonies. I admire how both cities have turned a tragic historical event in which two cities were destroyed, and many human souls perished, into a profound message of peace and hope to the world and humanity,” Binzagr told Arab News Japan.

Binzagr stressed the need for global responsibility in eliminating weapons of mass destruction. “We must not forget the horrors of these weapons,” he said, “and we must all unite in our efforts to rid the world of them without any exceptions or excuses.”

During his visit to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Saudi Ambassador Binzagr was deeply moved by the survivors’ stories of loss and tragedy. Their resilience, he said, is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of learning from our past.

“At a time when many conflicts are escalating in many regions around the world, we must all stand for fundamental resolutions that honor human dignity, ensure justice for all, and support ecosystems that bring opportunity and growth,” the Saudi ambassador said.

Binzagr said that humanity must use wisdom in ensuring dialogue and bridge-building, not destruction and extension.

“I deeply respect what I saw as a message of forgiveness and reconciliation from Japan’s Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Wisdom rests in remembering our painful memories, not to preserve them but to transcend them into something better. In particular, the children’s message was impressive. It reflected that the Hibakusha memories inspired the new generations of children to be part of building a better world.”

He thanked the Japanese organizers in both cities and “the many volunteers who made the experience profound and enriching. Their dedication and hard work were instrumental in making this experience so meaningful and impactful, and for that, we are truly grateful.”