Japan's Emperor Naruhito greets Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman upon his arrival at the Akasaka Imperial Palace in Tokyo. AFP

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince meets Japanese Emperor in Tokyo



The new Emperor of Japan welcomed Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Togu Palace in Tokyo on Tuesday.

Prince Mohammed conveyed congratulatory messages from Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Emperor Naruhito ascending the throne, the Saudi Press Agency reported, and wished him and the Japanese people further progress and prosperity.

Prince Mohammed took part in the G20 summit in Osaka at the weekend. Next year's G20 summit will be held in November in Saudi Arabia.

The two leaders reviewed relations between the two countries and stressed their keenness to enhance these relations.

On Sunday, Prince Mohammed met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who praised Saudi Arabia's efforts to reduce its dependence on oil and promised help with a sweeping reform plan.

"Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' is an unprecedented major reform aimed at shifting away from dependence on oil and at diversifying industry, under your majesty's initiative," Mr Abe said.

"Japan will continue its utmost efforts by government and the private sector to help achieve its success."

Mr Abe visited Tehran earlier this month amid heightened tensions between Iran, the United States and the Gulf states. He told media at the time that he wants Japan to play an important role in mitigating tension in the region.

Emperor Naruhito was crowned on May 1 after the surprise abdication of Emperor Akihito.

Skewed figures

In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458. 

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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

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Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?

Some facts about bees:

The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer

The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days

A queen bee lives for 3-5 years

This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony

About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive

Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.

Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen 

Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids

Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments

Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive,  protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts

Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain

Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities

The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes

Is beekeeping dangerous?

As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.

“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”