Arab News Japan

TOKYO: In a display of mutual respect and understanding, Japanese Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio held a video meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, where Kishida offered his best wishes for King Salman’s health, a gesture that was deeply appreciated by the Crown Prince. 

The Crown Prince expressed his desire to visit Japan as soon as possible to strengthen ties with Japan further. Prime Minister Kishida expressed his sincere wishes for King Salman’s early recovery and stated that he is also looking forward to strengthening the strategic partnership between Japan and Saudi Arabia, according to the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo.

As the two countries approach the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, the Japanese Prime Minister expressed his desire to work even more closely with Saudi Arabia. He emphasized their shared goal of realizing peace and stability in the Middle East, a sentiment that was echoed by the Crown Prince. The leaders agreed to establish a “Strategic Partnership Council (SPC),” chaired by them, to further strengthen their bilateral relations.

They also discussed the efforts exerted to stop Israeli attacks, deliver humanitarian aid, support efforts aimed at international recognition of the independent Palestinian state, and support the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

Prime Minister Kishida took a moment to express his heartfelt gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s stable supply of crude oil to Japan over the years.  He also expressed his anticipation for Saudi Arabia to continue playing a leading role in stabilizing the global oil market, including through production increases, a sentiment that was met with appreciation by the Crown Prince. 

Kishida added that he would like to cooperate in establishing a global supply chain for clean energy, such as hydrogen and ammonia, and promote cooperation in the field of mineral resources while utilizing Japanese technology under the “Lighthouse Initiative,” which was agreed between the two countries in July last year.

The Crown Prince concurred and said that Saudi Arabia would like to cooperate with Japan in various areas, including clean energy, and the Kingdom remains committed to providing a stable supply of crude oil to Japan.

Kishida expressed interest in creating business opportunities in Saudi Arabia, and making direct investments in Japan in a wide range of fields, including construction, power transmission, hydrogen, digital fields, information and communications technology, space, health, medicine, food, and agriculture. 
 
In addition, he stated that he would like to work together to achieve an early realization of the Japan-GCC Free Trade Agreement. This agreement, once implemented, will significantly boost trade and investment between Japan and the GCC countries, creating new business opportunities and fostering economic growth. Negotiations are scheduled to resume soon.

The Crown Prince said he welcomes the resumption of negotiations for the Japan-GCC Free Trade Agreement and cooperation with Japan in various fields beyond energy.

On the matter of peace and security, Kishida explained Japan’s diplomatic efforts and contributions regarding the situation in Gaza, including humanitarian aid and diplomatic initiatives. In response, Crown Prince Mohammed said he envisions continued cooperation with Japan on diplomatic efforts to realize peace and stability, appreciating Japan’s active role in the region.

Kishida stated that he will be pleased to hand over the symbolic ‘torch’ of the Expo to Saudi Arabia following Expo 2025 in Osaka-Kansai. This act symbolizes the continuation of the spirit of international cooperation and cultural exchange, and he added that he would like to encourage cultural exchanges in entertainment, tourism, academia, and football.
 
The Crown Prince noted that Japan is an outstanding country in terms of culture and said he also seeks to strengthen cooperation with Japan in this area.

Read More: Saudi, Japan discuss ties at Vision 2030 business forum in Tokyo