Japan-Saudi Parliamentary Friendship League Advocates Strengthened Bilateral Ties
Participants reaffirm mutual commitment to expanding partnership in various sectors.
The Japan-Saudi Parliamentary Friendship League convened a significant general meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday, bringing together key stakeholders from both nations.
The gathering included Saudi Ambassador Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, former Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi, alongside 21 other Japanese parliamentarians and senior officials from the Saudi Embassy.Binzagr highlighted the League's role as a vital bridge fostering understanding, dialogue, and collaboration between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
He praised the League for its dedication to enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in light of their 70-year diplomatic anniversary last year.
The ambassador emphasized that this legacy is being built on trust, respect, and shared vision.Binzagr noted the evolution of their partnership since the launch of the Saudi-Japanese Vision 2030 in 2017.
He pointed out that while energy remains a strong component, collaboration has expanded into industries such as industry, investment, technology, innovation, and culture.The ambassador also cited the success of Expo 2025 Osaka as an example of how robust cultural connections can underpin economic ties.
He argued for a global context where economic strength and security are interdependent, with energy security playing a central role.
Binzagr advocated for pursuing shared resilience through integrated systems rather than seeking alternatives.Binzagr further stressed the importance of human capital in strengthening their partnership, pointing to Saudi professionals educated and employed in Japan as well as Japanese experts proficient in Arabic.
These individuals enhance mutual understanding, effective implementation, and future cooperation.He underscored the establishment of a Strategic Partnership Council and called for continued support to advance bilateral relations.
He maintained that the Saudi-Japanese partnership is indispensable, with support from Japanese partners acting as a cornerstone of growth.Nishimura expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia's reliable oil supply despite ongoing Middle East tensions.
He praised the Kingdom for facilitating Iran-US talks and acknowledged its losses in the ongoing conflict.
Nishimura reaffirmed Japan's commitment to extending bilateral ties beyond oil into sectors such as hydrogen, ammonia, and advanced materials through initiatives like the Japan-Saudi Vision and Saudi Vision 2030.The participants also shared optimism about enhancing cooperation in emerging fields including esports, gaming, anime, space, artificial intelligence, and other advanced industries.
A recent phone conversation between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia further cemented their commitment to collaborate more closely in these sectors.The meeting reaffirmed the mutual interest in strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors.
Participants emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, leveraging shared resources and expertise for the benefit of both nations.