Saudi, Japanese FMs discuss crude oil supply, cooperation in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met his Japanese counterpart, Takeshi Iwaya, in Riyadh on Thursday to discuss bilateral ties.

The ministers reviewed strategic and economic relations between Riyadh and Tokyo, and highlighted the need for continued cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Iwaya “expressed his gratitude for the stable supply of crude oil from Saudi Arabia over the years” and expects the Kingdom to continue its leading role in stabilizing the global crude oil market.

The ministry said that Prince Faisal “reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the stable supply of crude oil to Japan” and called for improved cooperation in the crude oil sector, as well as in clean energy.

The ministers discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in space and defense. They agreed to arrange for the implementation of the Strategic Partnership Council, for which the two countries signed a memorandum in February.

Saudi Arabia and Japan are marking the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Tokyo is passing the baton to the Kingdom from Expo 2025 in Osaka, which concludes in October, to the Riyadh Expo 2030, the ministry added.

Prince Faisal and Takeshi discussed regional issues, including the necessity of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, US-Iran nuclear negotiations, the war in Ukraine and efforts to achieve a two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi ambassador to Japan, and Saud Al-Sati, deputy minister for political affairs, attended the meeting.

On Thursday, Takeshi also held talks with Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi to discuss the Gulf’s partnership with Japan in energy security.

The two officials agreed to cooperate in various areas, including politics, security, trade and investment. They also exchanged views on Gaza, Syria, Iran, the Red Sea and East Asia.