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KUWAIT, Sept 1 (KUNA) -- The State of Kuwait plays an important leadership role in helping support closer GCC-Japanese relations amid ongoing regional and international challenges, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said on Monday.

In a statement to KUNA ahead of the second Japan-GCC Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Iwaya said, "We are deeply grateful to Kuwait for hosting the second Japan-GCC Foreign Ministers' Meeting. This valuable opportunity will allow us to engage in sincere and frank exchange of views with GCC countries on how to address the challenging issues in the regional and international situations."

The Foreign Minister further elaborated on the intention to extend cooperation and coordination with the GCC, stating, "We also aim to steadily advance negotiations towards an early conclusion of the Japan-GCC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations.

"We commend Kuwait for its energetic leadership and support of the vibrant activities of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as is Chair this year," he stated.

He said, "In the long history of friendship between Japan and Kuwait, through this visit, we aim to set our sails high like the majestic dhow, a symbol of Kuwait, to achieve further progress not only in our bilateral relations but also in our cooperation with the GCC."

On Kuwaiti-Japanese relations, Iwaya expressed "sincere gratitude to the Government of the State of Kuwait and the people of Kuwait for their warm welcome," affirming that the proverb "A friend in need is a friend indeed," well describes relations between Japan and Kuwait.

In this turbulent international environment, it is even more important for Japan and Kuwait, sharing common values, to uphold principles such as the rule of law, multilateralism, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, said Iwaya.

"Both Japan and Kuwait are maritime nations, making maritime security extremely important to both countries. The freedom and openness of the seas that connect us is crucial for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the region and the rest of the world. Based on this idea, Japan consistently advocates for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)."

"The rule of law is crucial to ensure that everyone can benefit from the sea without oppression. We aim to further strengthen our coordination with Kuwait to maintain the freedom and security of navigation, which support the global supply chain," he reiterated.

On the situation in the Middle East, the Foreign Minister affirmed that tensions "remain high," adding that Japan was "deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza."

He added, "Japan has been making various efforts, including the delivery of humanitarian assistance, to alleviate the sufferings of the people on the ground as quickly as possible. We also strongly urge all parties to work steadily towards the release of all hostages and the realization of a sustainable ceasefire.

"True peace in the region cannot be achieved without settling the Palestinian issue," said Iwaya, affirming Japan's support for the two-state solution remains steadfast.

"We will continue to promote confidence-building measures, Palestinian economic self-reliance, and reform of the Palestinian Authority, which form the foundation of the peace process," stated the minister.

"Through the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD), Japan actively engages in this issue, receiving support from its partners in the East Asia region," he affirmed.

He said that Japan and Kuwait shared a common stance on prioritizing dialogue toward "a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East region, and on calling on all parties to abide by international law and ensure humanitarian assistance regarding the situation in Gaza."

Back to Kuwaiti-Japanese ties, Minister Iwaya stated, "Kuwait and Japan are friends who supported each other during historic challenges such as the Gulf War for Kuwait and the Great East Japan Earthquake for Japan.

"The Sanriku Railway, which was able to purchase new train cars after receiving Kuwait's financial aid following the disaster in 2011, operated specially designed trains to express appreciation for Kuwait's reconstruction support, in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, in 2021."

In May of this year, His Highness the Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah made "a historic visit" to Japan, and together with Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, announced the upgrading of Japan-Kuwait relations to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."

"We will further strengthen our coordination in both bilateral relations and the international arena," the Foreign Minister affirmed.

"Japan is now hosting the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. Kuwait's pavilion, designed with wings symbolizing progress and tolerance, has been very popular among visitors. Many Japanese people are visiting the pavilion every day and are experiencing firsthand Kuwait and its charms, through the displays such as sand actually brought in from Kuwait," said Iwaya, adding, "On June 19th, the National Day event of Kuwait was held (there) with great success."

"Tange Kenzo, an architect who designed the overall master plan for the 1970 Osaka Expo, contributed significantly to the deepening of Japan-Kuwait friendship, through designing the Kuwaiti Embassy in Tokyo and Kuwait International Airport."

"Through the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, we hope to further promote people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding between our two countries, opening a new chapter in our shared history. Simultaneously, the Japanese government intends to leverage this momentum to advance concrete projects in areas such as decarbonization, energy, and cultural exchange."

"Kuwait is Japan's third-largest oil supplier and an important partner for our energy security. We hope Kuwait will continue to play a significant role in the global energy market. Japan will support Kuwait's efforts on the stable supply of energy resources and transition to clean energy," said the minister.