JEDDAH: During a meeting held at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on Monday discussed the robust bilateral ties between the two countries. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and support for Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Vision 2030.
Prime Minister Kishida reiterated Japan’s “unwavering support” for Saudi Arabia’s vision, emphasizing the importance of the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 initiative. As part of this initiative, the leaders agreed to expand collaboration in sectors such as medicine and healthcare. They also expressed a shared commitment to transforming the Middle East into a global hub for next-generation fuel and mineral resources.
Both dignitaries highlighted the significance of promoting further exchanges in the political, diplomatic, and security domains. They welcomed the establishment of a strategic dialogue agreed upon at the foreign minister level. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman acknowledged Japan’s reliance on a stable supply of crude oil from Saudi Arabia and pledged efforts to benefit both consumers and oil producers.
Prime Minister Kishida expressed Japan’s intention to foster multi-faceted cooperation, including exploration and refining of essential minerals, advancements in solar power generation, and the production and utilization of hydrogen, ammonia, and e-fuels. The leaders considered a specific cooperation framework through the Japan-Saudi Lighthouse Initiative for Clean Energy Cooperation, proposed by Saudi Arabia, to advance a balanced green transformation.
#Jeddah | HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held an official session of talks. 🇸🇦🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/yH9hLYl9CE
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) July 16, 2023
Investment Opportunities in Saudi Arabia and Japan
Japanese companies expressed significant interest in investing in Saudi Arabia, and the crown prince expressed his expectation that they would contribute to the Kingdom’s industrial diversification. The leaders also discussed Japan’s recent agreement to resume free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Prime Minister Kishida expressed the desire to expand Saudi investment in Japan, particularly in semiconductors and batteries.
Furthermore, both leaders highlighted the potential for enhanced cooperation in the tourism, academic, educational, sports, and cultural sectors. They welcomed the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Japan External Trade Organization and the Saudi Entertainment Academy.
Prime Minister Kishida emphasized the importance of the G7 Hiroshima Summit, centered around the principles of the rule of law and the UN Charter. He expressed his commitment to continued collaboration with Saudi Arabia in various fields. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reciprocated the sentiment, expressing his desire to maintain a strong partnership with Japan.
Joint Statement on KSA-Japan Lighthouse Initiative for Clean Energy Cooperation. pic.twitter.com/oi64IFKVBW
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) July 17, 2023
The leaders underscored their shared stance against unilateral attempts to change the status quo through force anywhere in the world. The crown prince affirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for Japan’s position on North Korea.
Excerpt: During a meeting held at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Fumio discussed the robust bilateral ties between the two countries. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and support for Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Vision 2030.
