Middle East
Meeting Between Chief Cabinet Secretary KIHARA and Ambassadors of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member Countries to Japan
March 12, 2026
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On March 12, from 6:30 p.m. for approximately 10 minutes, in light of the current situation in the Middle East, Mr. KIHARA Minoru, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, met with the ambassadors or chargées d'affaires ad interim of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) to Japan.
- Chief Cabinet Secretary KIHARA expressed condolences for the damages occurring in GCC countries due to attacks by Iran. He also noted that Iran’s attacks have targeted civilian facilities, including energy infrastracutres, in the neighboring countries including GCC member states and that the safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is being threatened, and stated that Japan condemns Iran’s such actions. He emphasized that the early de-escalation of the situation is of utmost importance and explained that Japan will undertake all necessary diplomatic efforts towards this end. Additionally, he expressed gratitude for the support provided thus far in facilitating the departure of Japanese nationals wishing to leave, and at the same time, requested cooperation in ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals residing in the region and in securing safe navigation.
- In response, on behalf of the ambassadors, the Ambassador of Bahrain to Japan, as representative of this year’s GCC Chair, expressed gratitude for Japan’s strong expression of solidality with the GCC. He expressed gratitude to Japan for being a co-sponsor of the United Nations Security Council resolution on Iran adopted on the 11th local time, demonstrating solidarity with the GCC.