Saudi Arabia And Japan Commit To Strengthening Ties And Strategic Partnership

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held a video teleconference meeting today with Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio. Prime Minister Kishida expressed his sincere wishes for the speedy recovery of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and looked forward to HRH the Crown Prince's visit to Japan.

HRH the Crown Prince thanked the prime minister for his sincere wishes and the invitation to visit Japan. The two sides discussed relations between the two countries and ways to develop them. They also reviewed regional and international developments and efforts in this regard, in addition to issues of common interest.

The leaders discussed efforts to stop Israeli attacks, deliver humanitarian aid, support efforts aimed at international recognition of an independent Palestinian state, and support the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. The prime minister noted the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, stressing that cooperation with the Kingdom contributes to regional stability.

Strategic Partnership Council

The two leaders concurred on establishing a Strategic Partnership Council (SPC). Prime Minister Kishida expressed gratitude for the stable supply of crude oil from Saudi Arabia to Japan over the years. He expects Saudi Arabia to continue playing a leading role in stabilizing the global oil market and supporting global supply chains for clean energy.

HRH the Crown Prince affirmed that Saudi Arabia remains committed to supplying crude oil to Japan stably and would like to cooperate with Japan in other areas, including clean energy. Prime Minister Kishida expressed hopes for direct investment from Saudi Arabia into Japan in various fields, including construction, power transmission, hydrogen utilization, digital, ICT, space, health, medicine, food, agriculture, and other sectors.

Economic and Investment Cooperation

Discussions also covered bilateral economic and investment cooperation in the energy sector, including joint investments. Climate initiatives, environmental sustainability, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation were also discussed. HRH the Crown Prince commended trade exchange growth between the two countries in recent years and hoped to work with Japanese companies in promising fields and huge projects.

Prime Minister Kishida stated he is pleased to hand over the torch of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai to Saudi Arabia for Expo 2030. He seeks further growth in exchanges in entertainment, tourism, academia, and professional football. HRH the Crown Prince acknowledged Japan's cultural contributions and seeks strengthened cooperation in this area as well.

With inputs from SPA