Japan, Saudi Arabia agree to establish strategic partnership council

Japan and Saudi Arabia agreed Tuesday to establish a strategic partnership council to strengthen bilateral relations which will focus on construction, power transmission, space, health, agriculture and other sectors.

The agreement was reached during a video teleconference between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, said a statement from Japan's Foreign Ministry.

The virtual meeting was held after bin Salman postponed his visit to Tokyo due to the health of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Expressing his gratitude for the stable supply of crude oil from Saudi Arabia to Japan over the years, Kishida said he expects Riyadh to continue to play a leading role in stabilizing the global oil market, including through further production increases.

In addition, he said Tokyo would like to cooperate toward the establishment of a global supply chain for clean energy such as hydrogen and ammonia and promote cooperation in the field of mineral resources while utilizing Japanese technology under the “Lighthouse Initiative,” which was agreed on between the two countries in July last year.

Bin Salman said that Saudi Arabia remains committed to the stable supply of crude oil to Japan and that Riyadh would like to cooperate with Tokyo in other areas, including clean energy.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional developments and agreed to continue to closely cooperate towards realizing peace and stability in the Middle East.

Kishida explained Japan's diplomatic efforts and contributions regarding the situation surrounding Gaza.

He expressed hope for direct investment from Saudi Arabia in Japan in a wide range of fields as well as cooperation in construction, power transmission, hydrogen utilization, digital, ICT, space, health, medicine, food, agriculture and other sectors which will lead to creating business opportunities.

He added that he seeks to work together for the early conclusion of the Japan-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as its negotiations are scheduled to resume in the near future.

Bin Salman in response welcomed the resumption of the Japan-GCC-FTA negotiations and the cooperation with Japan in various areas besides energy.

The Japanese premier also expressed his sincere wishes for the Saudi King's quick recovery.