Ambassador of Japan to Saudi Arabia Iwai Fumio, whose tenure in the Kingdom witnessed substantial achievements in diplomatic and cultural spheres since he was appointed in 2019, is now preparing to take on a new role as ambassador to Egypt.
During his time in Saudi Arabia, Iwai oversaw several key projects that aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic initiative to diversify the economy and reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on oil.
Working closely with Saudi leaders, he facilitated Japanese support in sectors like technology, renewable energy and infrastructure development.
The ambassador’s efforts to foster Japanese investment in the Kingdom led to agreements that brought advanced technology and expertise, particularly in robotics, artificial intelligence and sustainable energy projects.
Iwai also oversaw former Japanese Prime Minister Kishia Fumio’s and former Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa’s visits to the Kingdom.
He was an ambassador of culture as much as diplomacy, promoting numerous events that introduced Japanese art, cuisine and traditional performances to Saudi audiences.
His focus on cultural exchange strengthened people-to-people ties and fostered mutual respect and understanding.
Iwai promoted youth engagement, encouraging scholarship programs and exchange opportunities that allowed Saudi students to study in Japan.
As ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Iwai was well-known on social media for his Arabic-language video messages throughout the years, in which he would celebrate Saudi National Day, Founding Day, Ramadan, Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha.
Before he started his role in the Kingdom, Iwai was the Japanese ambassador to Iraq.
He entered the Foreign Ministry in 1984 after graduating from the faculty of law at Kyoto University in Japan. He previously served as director general of the Secretariat of the Cabinet Office’s International Peace Cooperation Headquarters.
