GCC Secretary-General Highlights Partnership With Japan For Peace And Sustainable Development

The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Albudaiwi, highlighted the strong partnership between GCC states and Japan. This collaboration is rooted in shared goals for peace and sustainable development. His remarks were made during the second GCC-Japan Joint Ministerial Meeting, held in Kuwait on Monday. The meeting was chaired by Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Kuwait's Minister of Foreign Affairs and current President of the Ministerial Council, with participation from GCC foreign ministers and Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Iwaya Takeshi.

Albudaiwi noted that this meeting took place amid significant global political, economic, and security changes. These developments necessitate greater unity and robust partnerships to tackle common challenges such as food security, climate change, energy security, and digital transformation. He emphasized that these areas highlight the importance of collaboration with Japan.

The trade volume between GCC countries and Japan reached $115 billion in 2024. This includes $84 billion in Gulf exports, primarily oil, gas, and petrochemicals. Imports from Japan totaled $31 billion, covering automobiles, technology, and advanced industrial products. Japanese investments in the GCC have surpassed $15 billion in sectors like renewable energy and smart industries.

In 2012, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on strategic dialogue was signed between the GCC states and Japan. This MoU established a framework for cooperation in politics, security, trade, and culture. More recently, they launched the 2024–2028 Joint Action Plan to expand their partnership into areas like digital economy and clean energy.

The number of Gulf students attending Japanese universities has risen by 25% since 2020. To enhance knowledge transfer further, both sides have expanded academic exchange programs. In healthcare, initiatives in digital medicine and medical artificial intelligence have improved healthcare quality while opening new avenues for joint research.

Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) began with a joint statement signed in July 2023. Two rounds of talks have already occurred. This agreement aims to eliminate tariff barriers to facilitate trade and investment while addressing health measures and intellectual property issues.

Future Cooperation Areas

Albudaiwi outlined future cooperation areas including strategic consultation for regional stability and maritime route security. He also called for investments in digital economy technologies like artificial intelligence and carbon capture. Additionally, he stressed developing food security cooperation alongside expanding cultural exchanges through major events hosted by GCC states.

Culturally significant was the participation of all six GCC states in Expo 2025 Osaka. This event marked a milestone reflecting the depth of their partnership with Japan. Moreover, Memoranda of Understanding were signed with major Japanese companies to develop green hydrogen projects supporting global net-zero goals by mid-century.

Albudaiwi concluded his speech by emphasizing joint efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality by mid-century. He highlighted the importance of continued collaboration across various sectors to ensure mutual benefits for both regions.

With inputs from SPA