Japan-Saudi Arabia Relations
The First Japan-Saudi Arabia Foreign Ministerial Level Strategic Dialogue meeting
On September 7, commencing at around 11:10 a.m. local time (5:10 p.m. JST) for approximately 50 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held the First Japan-Saudi Arabia Foreign Ministerial Level Strategic Dialogue with H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The overview is as follows.
The Strategic Dialogue was established based on the concurrence between Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, and H.R.H. Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to Saudi Arabia in July of this year.
1. Signing Ceremony
Prior to the dialogue, the two ministers signed and exchanged the Memorandum on the Establishment of the Japan-Saudi Arabia Foreign Ministerial Level Strategic Dialogue.
2. Opening Remarks
Minister Hayashi stated that Japan attaches great importance to the strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia and seeks to strengthen bilateral cooperation in a wide range of fields as well as in the international arena, while positioning the Foreign Ministerial Level Strategic Dialogue as a command tower for bilateral relations and also through utilizing the existing frameworks. In response, Minister Faisal reiterated his hopes for further strengthening bilateral relations with Japan and that he would like to make active use of various frameworks between the two countries in this regard.
3. Bilateral Relations
- Minister Hayashi proposed the convening of a policy planning meeting at the administrative level for the purpose of freely exchanging views on mid-to-long-term prospects of international affairs and common issues from a strategic and cross-sectoral perspective, and Minister Faisal endorsed this proposal.
- Minister Hayashi conveyed to Minister Faisal the recent decision by Japan to introduce measures to ease the issuance of multiple-entry visas for Saudi citizens who meet certain economic requirements, and Minister Faisal welcomed this decision.
- The two ministers expressed their expectations for the implementation of concrete cooperation projects in realizing the vision of making the Middle East a global supply hub for clean energy and critical minerals through cooperation between the two countries.
- Minister Hayashi explained Japan's position regarding the discharge of ALPS treated water into the ocean, while referring to the IAEA's assessment in its Comprehensive Report. In response, Minister Faisal stated that Saudi Arabia fully trusts Japan's efforts.
4. Regional and International Situation
- Minister Hayashi emphasized the need to lead the international community towards cooperation, rather than division and confrontation, in addressing issues related to peace and stability including the Indo-Pacific region and expressed his desire to work closely with Saudi Arabia, as the countries share the recognition of the importance of the rule of law and international cooperation. Minister Faisal said that he welcomed cooperation with Japan.
- The ministers also had a frank exchange of views on various issues regarding the situation in the Middle East, East Asia and Ukraine and concurred to continue close cooperation towards peace and stability of these regions. Minister Faisal also expressed his support for Japan’s position regarding North Korea.