Japan-Saudi Arabia Relations
Japan-Saudi Arabia Summit Meeting
November 17, 2015
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
On November 16, commencing at 3:20 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Japan-Saudi Arabia Summit Meeting with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the G20 Antalya Summit. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1 Prime Minister Abe told King Salman that he has fond memories of His Majesty's visit to Tokyo in February last year, and is honored to meet this time with His Majesty, who was enthroned as the King. He also explained that Japan resolutely denounces the acts of terrorism in Paris, and intends to work on counter-terrorism in coordination with Saudi Arabia as well. In addition, he stated that Saudi Arabia, with whom Japan enjoys a robust economic relationships and is a stabilizing power in the region, is the most important country for Japan. The two sides shared the view that they will strengthen cooperation toward the stability of the Middle East region, including in the area of counter-terrorism.
2 Furthermore, the two sides exchanged views on the regional affairs, such as Syria and Iran. Prime Minister Abe explained that based on the concept of "the best way is to go in the middle," Japan will focus its attention on providing the support necessary to cultivate a moderate middle class and strengthen governance underpinned by an affluent society and economy. He stated that Japan will assume G7 chair next year and hopes to maintain close contact with Saudi Arabia, including at the high level. With regard to the situation in Syria, Prime Minister Abe appreciated Saudi Arabia's proactive contribution, including at the Vienna talks, and explained that he intends to coordinate closely and cooperate for the stability of the region. Additionally, he expressed the view that the agreement concerning the Iranian nuclear issue will contribute to the strengthening of the non-proliferation regime and to the stability of the Middle East region, and stated that the steady implementation of the agreement is important, and explained that he has strongly encouraged H. E. Dr. Hassan Rouhani, President of Iran, and H. E. Dr. Ali Akbar Salehi, Vice President of Iran, the steady implementation of the agreement. In response, King Salman explained that he intends to deepen the cooperative relationship with Japan on a variety of issues.
1 Prime Minister Abe told King Salman that he has fond memories of His Majesty's visit to Tokyo in February last year, and is honored to meet this time with His Majesty, who was enthroned as the King. He also explained that Japan resolutely denounces the acts of terrorism in Paris, and intends to work on counter-terrorism in coordination with Saudi Arabia as well. In addition, he stated that Saudi Arabia, with whom Japan enjoys a robust economic relationships and is a stabilizing power in the region, is the most important country for Japan. The two sides shared the view that they will strengthen cooperation toward the stability of the Middle East region, including in the area of counter-terrorism.
2 Furthermore, the two sides exchanged views on the regional affairs, such as Syria and Iran. Prime Minister Abe explained that based on the concept of "the best way is to go in the middle," Japan will focus its attention on providing the support necessary to cultivate a moderate middle class and strengthen governance underpinned by an affluent society and economy. He stated that Japan will assume G7 chair next year and hopes to maintain close contact with Saudi Arabia, including at the high level. With regard to the situation in Syria, Prime Minister Abe appreciated Saudi Arabia's proactive contribution, including at the Vienna talks, and explained that he intends to coordinate closely and cooperate for the stability of the region. Additionally, he expressed the view that the agreement concerning the Iranian nuclear issue will contribute to the strengthening of the non-proliferation regime and to the stability of the Middle East region, and stated that the steady implementation of the agreement is important, and explained that he has strongly encouraged H. E. Dr. Hassan Rouhani, President of Iran, and H. E. Dr. Ali Akbar Salehi, Vice President of Iran, the steady implementation of the agreement. In response, King Salman explained that he intends to deepen the cooperative relationship with Japan on a variety of issues.