Abu Dhabi: In a bid to stress the importance of language in enhancing cultural ties, the Embassy of Japan in the UAE organised a Japanese language speech contest in the capital.

A total of 26 aspiring contenders from several emirates gathered to deliver their addresses in topics of their choice. Winners were recognised in three different categories, and they included a number of Emirati students at the Elementary Level.

The event was attended by Kanji Fujiki, Japanese Ambassador to the UAE, and Mubarak Al Braiki, Director of Advancement and Philanthropy Speech at New York University.