TOKYO: The Japan-Saudi Parliamentary Friendship League held what officials described as a pivotal general meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday.
The participants included Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, the Saudi ambassador to Japan; Nishimura Yasutoshi, a former minister of economy, trade and industry; 21 other Japanese parliamentarians; and leading officials from the Saudi Embassy.
Binzagr described the Parliamentary Friendship League as a vital bridge that nurtures mutual understanding, sparks dialogue and drives collaboration between the nations. He praised its dedication to the enhancement of Japanese-Saudi relations, especially as the countries last year celebrated 70 years of diplomatic relations and a partnership built on trust, respect and common vision.
“As we honor this remarkable legacy, we renew our commitment to deepen and expand our connection,” Binzagr said. “What began as simple exchanges has blossomed into lasting partnerships rooted in enduring trust.
“This journey has unfolded with intention, especially since the launch of the Saudi-Japanese Vision 2030 in 2017. Since then, our collaboration has grown beyond energy to industry, investment, technology, innovation and culture.”
The ambassador cited the success of Expo 2025 Osaka as evidence that strong economic ties depend on robust cultural connections. He said that in the current global context, economic strength and security are interdependent, with energy security central to both. Rather than seeking alternatives, he advocated the pursuit of shared resilience through an integrated system.
“The partnership between Japan and Saudi Arabia is not a reaction to a crisis but a model for turning challenges into lasting stability,” Binzagr said.
“The collaboration is strengthened by shared human capital, including Saudi professionals educated and employed in Japan, and Japanese experts proficient in Arabic with deep regional understanding. These individuals enhance mutual understanding, effective implementation and future cooperation.”
He emphasized the progress made toward establishing a Strategic Partnership Council, and said that continued support was essential to advance and expand bilateral relations, stressing that partnership is a necessity, not an option.
Binzagr concluded by affirming that support from Japanese partners is a cornerstone of growth, and underscored the fact that the Saudi-Japanese partnership is indispensable.
Nishimura thanked the ambassador for the reliable oil supplies provided by Saudi Arabia during the current crisis in the Middle East, and said he wanted to strengthen bilateral ties. He also expressed sympathy for the Kingdom’s losses during the ongoing conflict with Iran, and praised Saudi Arabia for its role in facilitating talks between Iran and the US.
“Saudi Arabia has continued supplying our country from Yanbu Port through east-west pipelines and will keep doing so,” Nishimura said.
“Saudi Arabia has always been an important energy partner for Japan, now and in the future. I want to thank you again for your help and efforts in keeping the supply steady during these difficult times.”
He added that the partnership between the countries extends far beyond oil, encompassing hydrogen, ammonia and advanced materials. He reiterated Japan’s commitment to fostering corporate alliances through the Japan-Saudi Vision and Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives.
Nishimura also highlighted the remarkable popularity of the Saudi Pavilion at last year’s Osaka-Kansai Expo and expressed optimism about the enhancement of ties in emerging fields such as esports, gaming, anime, space, artificial intelligence and other advanced industries.
He noted a recent telephone conversation between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, during which both leaders pledged to collaborate more closely in these innovative sectors.
Keiichi Iwamoto, director of the Japanese Foreign Ministry’s Middle East Division, noted the vital role of the Kingdom, discussed Japan’s reliance on the Gulf states, and Saudi Arabia in particular, for energy, and highlighted fresh opportunities for collaboration beyond the energy sector.
