Press Releases
Japan-Kuwait Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
April 20, 2022
On April 20, commencing at 5:00 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Sheikh Dr.Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohamed Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait. The overview of the talk is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi stated that Kuwait is a strong partner of Japan, and that the two countries are friends who have historically helped each other when they faced hardships such as the Gulf War and the Great East Japan Earthquake. Minister Hayashi further stated that he would like to strengthen the close bilateral relationship between Japan and Kuwait in cooperation with Minister Ahmad. In response, Minister Ahmad said that Japan and Kuwait have sustained a friendly relationship over the years, such as through cooperating in response to the Gulf War, and stated that he would like to continue to work together with Japan.
- Minister Hayashi stated that the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia is a unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force, and is a serious situation that undermines the foundation of not only Europe but also the entire international order. In response, Minister Ahmad stated that he condemns acts that breach international law and the Charter of the United Nations. The two ministers confirmed to continue their close coordination in responding to the situation.
- The two ministers exchanged views on the soaring crude oil prices in the wake of the situation in Ukraine. Minister Hayashi expressed his gratitude for Kuwait’s stable supply of crude oil to Japan over the years, and expressed his hopes for Kuwait to continue to play a leading role in stabilizing the international oil market. In response, Minister Ahmad stated that Kuwait holds responsibility in the stabilization of the international oil market as a member of OPEC and OPEC Plus, and that Kuwait is willing to respond appropriately to the situation. The two ministers confirmed continued coordination of their response.