Arab News Japan

Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Fumio arrived in Jeddah on Sunday at King Abdulaziz International airport and was received by Prince Badr bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region.

Upon arrival, Kishida went to join the Saudi-Japan Roundtable Meeting along with the Saudi Minister of Investment Khaled Al-Falih. The delegates at the meeting were encouraged to express ideas for further collaboration and mutual growth.

Al-Falih welcomed Kishida and expressed Saudi Arabia’s eagerness at being part of the “historic summit.”

“I want to thank Japan for this opportunity for visiting with a delegation of 120 individuals,” he said. “Saudi Arabia and Japan maintain mutual trust and have mutual goals.”

In the presence of HE Kishida Fumio, Japan Prime Minister @kishida230, HE @Khalid_AlFalih, Minister of Investment #MISA, opens the #SaudiJapanRoundtable and welcomes all delegates to join the journey of collaboration and mutual growth. #SaudiJapanVision2030 pic.twitter.com/5TvBDFFXnw

— وزارة الاستثمار (@MISA) July 16, 2023

The Saudi minister explained that Japan is the Kingdom’s third-largest business partner. “We are proud of this partnership, and we want to further strengthen our energy cooperation.”

Kishida thanked Al-Falih for his warm reception and lauded Japan and Saudi Arabia’s strengthening ties. At the entrance of the Ritz Carlton hotel in Jeddah, the prime minister said, is the world’s first buggy running on a hydrogen engine.

“The buggy will take part in the Dakar rally this winter. It is a symbol of how both countries are pioneering the future of energy together,” Kishida said.

He also said that Japanese companies are making focused efforts to cooperate in developing young talents in Saudi Arabia, “who are shouldering the future of this country.”

“Our message is this,” Kishida said. “Japan will always be with you for the realization of social and economic reform.”

The two nations set the stage for strong trade ties on Sunday by exchanging 26 pre-signed economic agreements.

The signed deals encompassed healthcare, clean energy, mining and digital innovation sectors. 

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said that the relationship between the two nations in the field of energy has been going on for more than half a century. 

He added that this relationship is characterized by solidity and reliability and the keenness of the two friendly countries to develop and diversify to achieve their common interests and support the development and stability of the energy sector and economy worldwide. 

As he embarked on his three-day trip to the Middle East, the Japanese Prime Minister stressed the importance of the “strategic” partnership, which has witnessed steady growth over the years to include many sectors besides oil. 

The prime minister also noted that the Kingdom supplies Japan with about 40 percent of its crude oil needs, which further highlights the importance of a strategic collaboration between the two countries. 

Kishida also spoke about the Kingdom’s pioneering role in the Arab and Islamic world and its continuous attempts to establish peace and security in the region. 

Kishida’s arrival in Saudi Arabia on Sunday is the first by a Japanese leader since the late Abe Shinzo visited in 2020.