Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio will conduct “energy resources diplomacy” in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar.
Japan, which meets more than 90 percent of its energy needs with imports from the Middle East, seeks stability in its energy supply chain and investments.
Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida, who went on a trip to the Middle East covering Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar, will carry out “energy resources diplomacy”. Kishida, who will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia, will discuss increasing cooperation in the field of energy technologies.
During his visit, Kishida is expected to propose the holding of Foreign Ministers’ talks between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Japan.
The Japanese Prime Minister will discuss environmentally friendly investments with the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In his meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamed Al Thani, Kishida will emphasize the pursuit of stability in the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Japan.
Speaking to reporters before leaving the capital Tokyo, Kishida described the three countries he will visit as “very important for Japan’s energy security”. Noting that they aim for a “carbon-free society” through zero-carbon projects, Kishida stated that they will expand their country’s technological investments in this area. Kishida will also aim to offer new opportunities in the active investments of Japan’s zero carbon technologies in the region during its trip that covers 3 countries.
The last prime minister-level visit to the Middle East from Japan was in January 2020 by Abe Shinzo to Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman.