Arab News Japan

RIYADH: The first GCC-Japan Summit took place on Thursday in Riyadh and was co-chaired by Japan’s Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa and his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi.

At the beginning of the meeting, Albusaidi gave an opening speech welcoming Hayashi to the region. He expressed on behalf of the GCC region its willingness to strengthen relations with Japan.

Hayashi said the role of GCC member is becoming “increasingly important in the international arena,” including in areas such as politics and economics.

The GCC is in the face of various challenges, Hayashi said, adding that Japan is committed to working with the region to uphold existing international order and rule of law.

The Japanese minister explained that there was great potential for both sides to benefit through combing together the strengths of both regions and their partnerships.

The GCC ministers welcomed the establishment of strategic dialogue and expressed appreciation at the regular convening of similar meetings.

They welcomed the formulation of the “Japan and the GCC Action Plan 2024-2028,” and they expressed their hope to enhance cooperation in a wide range of fields.

Minister Hayashi expressed his hope that the GCC countries would continue to play a leading role in the stability of the global crude oil market. He also stated that Japan supported the regions efforts to accelerate towards industrial diversification, decarbonization, and realizing an intelligent society.

After Japan’s Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio’s visit to Saudi Arabia in July, Hayashi said that the GCC and Japan agreed to resume negotiations on a free trade agreement by 2024. He said this was an “important achievement” and expressed his hope that they have constructive discussions to build on this momentum.

Hayashi also explained to GCC leaders Japan’s position on the discharge of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant. The leaders expressed their confidence in Japan’s commitment to international standards.

In addition, the ministers had a frank exchange of views on the situation in the Middle East, Ukraine and East Asia.

The ministers of the GCC explained that they are putting in their efforts to achieve stability in the region and are pursuing various issues. They expressed their hope that Japan will play a greater role in the region.

Hayashi explained Japan’s vision of a “free and open Indo-Pacific region” and aims to lead the world towards cooperation instead of division and confrontation and stressed that it is important for society.

He added that the international community should send a message that they do not allow the status quo to be changed by force.

At the end of the meeting, Hayashi expressed his gratitude to the ministers and the Secretary General of the GCC for their warm hospitality, expressing his hope that a frank exchange of views on regional and international situations will continue in the future.