Tokyo, 20 July 2022 (TDI): Minister of Foreign Affairs for Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, held a meeting followed by a working lunch with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Hayashi Yoshimasa, on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the Japanese Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude for the letters of condolences from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on the passing of former Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe.

Discussion on Bilateral Relations

Japanese Foreign Minister expressed his hope to further develop friendly relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia as strategic partners.

In response, Saudi Foreign Minister reiterated his sincere condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Abe. The Saudi Foreign Minister also expressed that Saudi Arabia will always stand with Japan.

He further said that under the leadership of the two leaders, he hopes to further strengthen Saudi Arabia’s cooperative relationship with Japan.

Minister Hayashi expressed his gratitude for the stable supply of crude oil from Saudi Arabia. Japanese Foreign Minister further requested continued cooperation in stabilizing the international crude oil market and for additional production increases.

Hayashi also expressed that he looks to further promote cooperation in various fields such as clean energy, infrastructure, tourism, and culture under “Saudi-Japan Vision 2030”.

In response, Minister Faisal stated that the strategic partnership between Japan and Saudi Arabia is solid. He further said that he would like to continue working closely together with Japan.

The two Foreign Ministers further discussed the need for collaboration by the international community. They also discussed the strengthening of the functions of the entire UN including the United Nations Security Council, given Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The two Ministers also exchanged views on the situation in Asia. The issues included responding to North Korea, including its nuclear and missile issue, and concurred to continue to work together.

Further, both sides exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, including the situation in Iran and Yemen.