Japan and Saudi Arabia Forge Strategic Partnership

In recent development, it was understood that Japan and Saudi Arabia will set up a strategic partnership council to enhance the relations between the two countries. These councils will be based on important sectors such as construction, power transmission, space, health, agriculture, and so on.

It was approved during the video teleconference between the PM of Japan Fumio Kishida and the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The virtual meeting, called for by the cancellation of bin Salman’s trip to Tokyo due to the health condition of Saudi’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz, shows the intention of both countries to deepen relations.

In thanking Saudi Arabia for its continuing provision of crude oil to Japan, Prime Minister Kishida highlighted the significance of Riyadh in maintaining the stability of the international oil market. He also emphasized Japan’s willingness to cooperate on the creation of new hydrogen and ammonia projects as well as using Japanese technology for proper utilization of mineral resources under the ‘Lighthouse Initiative. ’

In response, Crown Prince bin Salman reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to providing Japan with stable oil supplies and suggested willingness to engage with Japan in clean energy and other sectors.

The leaders also talked about the issues of the region and stressed that they are determined to support peace and stability in the Middle Eastern countries. Mr. Kishida informed the Crown Prince about Japan’s diplomatic actions concerning the events in Gaza.

In the future, the Prime Minister Kishida stated readiness of Japan for Saudi Arabian direct investment in all fields of activity with focus on construction, electricity transmission and usage of hydrogen, digital transformation, and healthcare, agriculture and others. He also looked forward to the early signing of Free Trade Agreement between Japan and GCC.

Crown Prince bin Salman welcomed the resumption of negotiations for the Japan-GCC Free Trade Agreement and indicated willingness to expand cooperation with Japan beyond the energy sector.

Further, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his best wishes for the early recovery of the Saudi King Salman. This exchange clearly shows the strong and friendly relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia that have been bolstered to pave way for further cooperation and prosperity.