Saudi, Japanese Foreign Ministers Discuss Strategic Ties and Energy Cooperation in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya in Riyadh on Thursday, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations, energy collaboration, and regional stability, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the long-standing strategic and economic partnership between Riyadh and Tokyo. The discussions emphasized the importance of continued cooperation across various sectors, including energy, defense, and emerging technologies.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted Iwaya’s appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s consistent and stable supply of crude oil. He expressed hopes that the Kingdom would maintain its pivotal role in ensuring global energy market stability. In response, Prince Faisal reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a stable oil supply and called for deeper collaboration in the crude oil and clean energy sectors.

The two ministers also explored opportunities to enhance cooperation in the fields of space and defense. Notably, they discussed the implementation of the Strategic Partnership Council, following a memorandum of understanding signed by both nations in February this year.

The high-level talks come as Saudi Arabia and Japan celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. As part of the symbolic handover between the two countries, Tokyo is set to pass the baton to Riyadh after Expo 2025 in Osaka concludes in October, paving the way for Expo 2030 in the Saudi capital.

In addition to bilateral issues, the ministers addressed key regional developments. Topics included the urgent need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations, the war in Ukraine, and progress toward a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Also present at the meeting were Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan, and Saud Al-Sati, deputy minister for political affairs.

Later on Thursday, Minister Iwaya met with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi. Their discussions focused on strengthening the GCC-Japan partnership, particularly in energy security. They also reviewed broader geopolitical developments, including the situations in Gaza, Syria, Iran, the Red Sea, and East Asia.

The visit underscores Japan’s strategic interest in deepening ties with Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region, amid shifting global energy dynamics and regional security challenges.