Japan-Bahrain Relations
Japan-Bahrain Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
September 7, 2023
On September 7, commencing at 12:30 p.m. (local time; September 7, 6:30 p.m. JST) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Saudi Arabia to participate in meetings including the Japan-GCC Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi stated that the bilateral relations between Japan and Bahrain, which marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relation last year, have developed steadily in a wide range of fields, and that he would like to further expand the relationship, under the Comprehensive Partnership. In response, Minister Zayani stated that the two countries have maintained a friendly relationship for many years, and that he would like to continue to cooperate with Minister Hayashi in order to further strengthen bilateral relations in various fields.
- Minister Hayashi stated that he is pleased that the Japan-Bahrain Investment Agreement signed last year entered into force on September 6. The two ministers agreed to take advantage of this momentum to secure free and stable business activities for companies entering the market and to further promote economic and business ties between the two countries.
- Minister Hayashi explained Japan's position on the recent discharge of ALPS-treated water, referring to the IAEA's assessment in its Comprehensive Report. Minister Zayani stated that he is confident that Japan will comply with international standards.
- The two ministers also exchanged views on the situations in the Middle East including Israel and Palestine as well as on international situations, and concurred to continue to work together.