Press Releases
Japan-Saudi Arabia Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Call
October 15, 2026
On October 15, commencing at 5:30 p.m. for 20 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone call with H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- At the outset, Minister MOTEGI expressed his condolences over the loss of many lives including of Saudi nationals due to the attacks by the Houthis since October, and his wishes for the earliest recovery of those injured. He also requested cooperation in ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, stating that attacks on civilians and civilian facilities can never be tolerated, and that Japan strongly denounces the series of attacks by the Houthis, he explained efforts made by Japan, which has strongly called on the Houthis to immediately stop escalating the situation and has directly called on Iran to urge the Houthis to exercise restraint as well.
- Minister MOTEGI also expressed his respect for Saudi Arabia’s utmost efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East including Yemen. He stated that stability and peace in Yemen can only be achieved through a political solution, and that Japan will continue to make diplomatic efforts to ensure that the Houthis return to the UN-led political process as soon as possible.
- Furthermore, Minister MOTEGI stated that Japan would continue to work closely with the international community including Saudi Arabia toward the early restoration of stability in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Regarding the situation surrounding Iran, he stated that Japan would continue to work with relevant countries to foster an environment conducive to achieving a diplomatic solution.
- In addition, Minister MOTEGI explained the progress of a comprehensive cooperation plan currently being formulated by Japan to strengthen the economic and energy resilience of the GCC countries.
- In response, Minister Faisal expressed his appreciation that Japan has taken a tough stance toward the Houthis and has expressed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia, and indicated Saudi Arabia’s willingness to cooperate in ensuring the protection of Japanese nationals. He also explained the Saudi Arabia’s response to the situation surrounding Yemen in light of the recent cases, as well as the outlook for the situation surrounding Iran, including the talks between the United States and Iran. Furthermore, he stated that Saudi Arabia would like to work closely with Japan to strengthen the economic and energy resilience of the GCC countries.
- Both Ministers concurred to continue working closely together toward ensuring medium- to long-term peace and stability in the Middle East as a whole.