Japan-Oman Relations
Japan-Oman Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Working Lunch
August 20, 2026
On August 20, commencing at 12:00 p.m. local time (5:00 p.m. Japan time) for 3 hours, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held the Japan-Oman Foreign Ministers Meeting, Joint Press Conference and Working Lunch, with H.E. Mr. Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Sultanate of Oman, in Muscat during his visit to the Sultanate of Oman.
1. Opening remarks
- Minister Badr warmly welcomed Minister MOTEGI’s visit to Oman and noted that next year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Oman. Minister Badr expressed his desire to further develop the Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries at all levels and across a wide range of fields.
- Minister MOTEGI expressed his pleasure to have the opportunity to exchange views with Minister Badr in person following their three telephone calls since the end of February this year. Minister MOTEGI also expressed his deep respect for Minister Badr’s role in mediating between the U.S. and Iran. Furthermore, Minister MOTEGI once again conveyed his gratitude for the tremendous cooperation extended by Oman in evacuating Japanese nationals in the Middle East.
2. Bilateral Relations
- Minister MOTEGI reiterated his appreciation for Oman’s long-standing stable supply of LNG and crude oil. Minister MOTEGI explained that Japan promotes the updated “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP), which enhances the autonomy and resilience of each country, and that Japan intends to continue working closely with Oman toward peace and stability across the Middle East, including the Gulf region. Referring to the recent situation surrounding Iran, Minister MOTEGI conveyed that Japan has been formulating a comprehensive cooperation plan aimed at strengthening the economic and energy resilience of the Gulf countries, including Oman. Furthermore, Minister MOTEGI emphasized that Japan intends to play an active role in ongoing projects in Oman, including desalination and environmentally friendly steel production.
- In response, Minister Badr stated that Japan’s role in strengthening the economic resilience of the Gulf countries, including Oman, is important and expressed his appreciation for Japan’s efforts. Minister Badr also welcomed the progress in bilateral cooperation across a wide range of fields and expressed Oman’s intention to continue cooperating to ensure a stable supply of energy.
- The two ministers confirmed that they would strengthen cooperation in various fields under the Comprehensive Partnership.
- Specifically, they confirmed closer collaboration in the following areas:
(i) clean energy based on the Memorandum of Cooperation on the Development of Hydrogen and Ammonia;
(ii) cooperation under Memorandum on Defense Cooperation between Japan and Oman, as well as replenishment support for Japan Self-Defense Forces vessels engaged in counter-piracy operations;
(iii) the acceptance of international students under the Japanese Government Scholarship Program; and
(iv) increasing the number of tourists between the two countries.
3. Regional and International Affairs
- Regarding the situation surrounding Iran, Minister MOTEGI, concerning over the continued military tensions between the U.S. and Iran, emphasized the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible. Minister MOTEGI stressed that it is also important to reach a final agreement at an early date, including on Iran’s nuclear issue, through further U.S.-Iran talks, and stated that Japan would also continue its diplomatic efforts.
- Furthermore, Minister MOTEGI emphasized that it is important to ensure free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without any additional costs for all vessels. In response, Minister Badr stated that the future of the Strait of Hormuz should be determined in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The two ministers concurred that the future of the Strait of Hormuz should be discussed by the international community as a whole, including the littoral States, the States using the Strait, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). They also confirmed that they would continue discussions at various levels between the two countries.
- The two ministers also shared serious concern over the current situation in the Red Sea and concurred on closely coordinating to prevent escalation by the Houthis. Minister Badr also expressed his high appreciation for Japan’s assistance to Yemen to date.
- In addition, the two ministers exchanged views on efforts toward realizing a two-state solution with regard to the situation surrounding Palestine, as well as on the situation in East Asia, including their policies toward North Korea, such as on the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue. They confirmed that Japan and Oman would continue to work together in addressing various issues in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region.