Middle East
Meeting between Foreign Minister Iwaya and GCC Secretary General Budaiwi
May 1, 2025
On May 1, commencing at 11:00 a.m. local time (May 1, 5:00 p.m. JST) for approximately 70 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Jasem Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- Introduction
Minister Iwaya mentioned that the Gulf region is not only an important partner for Japan’s energy security, but also plays an increasingly important role in achieving peace and stability amid the current turbulent regional and international situation,. stating that Japan attaches importance to its partnership with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
In response, Secretary-General Budaiwi stated that the relationship between Japan and the GCC member states is of strategic importance, and that the GCC also hopes to further strengthen its relationship with Japan. - Japan-GCC cooperation
Both sides welcomed the first round of negatiations on the Japan-GCC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which resumed in December 2024 following the concurrance between then-Prime Minister Kishida and Secretary-General Budaiwi in July 2023 on the resumption of negotiations. They expressed their shared desire to strengthen efforts toward the early conclusion of the negotiations.
Additionally, the two sides confirmed their intention to cooperate in a wide range of areas,including politics and security, trade and investment, based on the Japan-GCC Action Plan adopted during the first Japan-GCC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in September 2023. They also concurred to coordinate toward the holding of the second Japan-GCC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. - Regional and International Affairs
Both sides held a candid exchange of views on the current situations in the Middle East and East Asia, including the situation in Gaza, Syria, Iran, and the Red Sea. Minister Iwaya and Secretary General Budaiwi emphasized their intention to further strengthen Japan-GCC relations and to maintain close cooperation through the implementation of the Action Plan.