Japan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to establish a Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), chaired by both leaders, marking a significant deepening of bilateral relations. The agreement emerged from a videoconference between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held on May 21, 2024.
Why the Meeting Was Held by Video
The virtual summit was convened after Crown Prince bin Salman cancelled a planned visit to Tokyo due to the health condition of King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Despite the change in format, both sides used the call to cement a wide-ranging partnership framework covering construction, power transmission, space, health, agriculture, and clean energy.
Energy Ties and Hydrogen Cooperation
Prime Minister Kishida opened by thanking Saudi Arabia for its continued supply of crude oil to Japan, underscoring Riyadh's role in stabilising the international oil market. He stressed Japan's interest in co-developing hydrogen and ammonia supply chains, and in applying Japanese technology to mineral resource development under the Lighthouse Initiative.
Crown Prince bin Salman reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to stable oil exports to Japan and signalled readiness to expand cooperation into clean energy and other sectors beyond hydrocarbons.
Japan-GCC Free Trade Agreement
Kishida called for the early conclusion of the Japan-GCC Free Trade Agreement, with negotiations set to resume in the near future. Bin Salman welcomed the resumption of talks and expressed willingness to broaden engagement with Japan across sectors well beyond energy.
Direct Investment and Digital Transformation
Looking ahead, Kishida outlined Japan's openness to direct Saudi investment across fields including hydrogen utilisation, digital and ICT infrastructure, space, healthcare, food, and agriculture. The Strategic Partnership Council will serve as the institutional framework to coordinate and accelerate progress across all these areas.
Regional Stability
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional developments, reaffirming their shared commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East. Kishida briefed the Crown Prince on Japan's diplomatic activity related to the situation in Gaza.
Kishida closed by extending warm wishes for King Salman's swift recovery. The exchange underscored the depth of the Japan–Saudi Arabia relationship and laid the groundwork for broader cooperation in the years ahead.
