Japan-Kuwait Relations
Japan-Kuwait Foreign Ministers' Meeting
September 1, 2025
On September 1, commencing at 4:45 p.m. local time (10:45 p.m. JST) for approximately 50 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who was visiting Kuwait, held a meeting with H.E. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait. The overview of the meeting is as follows:
- At the outset, Foreign Minister Yahya welcomed Minister Iwaya's visit to Kuwait and expressed his desire to further enhance relations between Japan and Kuwait in a wide range of areas such as economy, technology, education, health and sightseeing. In response, Minister Iwaya stated that he hopes to further strengthen bilateral relations various areas including implementation of Memoranda of Cooperation signed during the visit of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, to Japan in May this year.
- The two ministers exchanged views on bilateral relations in areas such as politics, economy, and culture. Minister Iwaya welcomed that the ban on imports of Japanese beef into Kuwait is expected to be lifted this month, and the two sides confirmed that they will continue to proceed with the necessary procedures.
- The two ministers exchanged views on cooperation in the international arena and confirmed that they would continue to coordinate on UN Security Council reform.
- The two ministers had a frank exchange of views on recent regional developments in the Middle East, including Iran and Gaza. Minister Iwaya expressed respect for Kuwait’s important role including its role as GCC chair in addressing regional situations. Regarding Palestine, the two ministers agreed to continue to support the Palestine Authority (PA) for realizing a “Two State solution”. Regarding Iran, the two ministers agreed on the importance of a peaceful resolution to the nuclear issue through dialogue.