Japan Pushes for Regional Peace and Maritime Security in Middle East Talks

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has emphasized the importance of peace and maritime security in the Middle East during talks in Riyadh. He met with Saudi Arabia's Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council.

Motegi discussed efforts to secure lasting peace in the region with Prince Faisal, highlighting the significance of freedom and safety of navigation for international trade. 'We are wonderful friends so we can reaffirm the necessity of ensuring the freedom and safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,' he said.

The minister also stressed the importance of achieving peace in Yemen, strongly denouncing recent attacks on international shipping by the Houthis. Japan has asked Iran to urge the group to exercise restraint and will continue to support Yemen's internationally recognized government.

Motegi and Prince Faisal discussed their joint vision for economic cooperation under the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 framework, which aims to expand ties beyond traditional oil trade and auto imports into a deeper partnership spanning advanced technology, clean energy, and cultural exchanges. They also explored opportunities in seawater desalination projects using sustainable renewable energy.