TOKYO: The Japan-Saudi Parliamentary Friendship League convened a high-level general meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday, bringing together Saudi Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, former Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry NISHIMURA Yasutoshi, 21 parliamentarians including SASAKI, Secretary General of the League and Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and senior officials.
The meeting reflected a growing momentum in bilateral relations, with discussions pointing to an evolution from traditional exchange toward a broader, more integrated strategic partnership.
Ambassador Binzagr emphasized that the League represents more than a forum for dialogue, describing it as a platform capable of advancing practical cooperation and shaping the future trajectory of Saudi–Japan relations. “Our partnership today is defined not only by exchange, but by a shared responsibility to build long-term resilience and shape stable, future-oriented value chains — in energy, in the economy, and in the stability of our regions and the wider world,” he said.
He noted that since the launch of the Saudi–Japan Vision 2030 initiative in 2017, cooperation has expanded beyond energy into integrated value chains across industry, technology, investment, and culture — reflecting a deeper alignment in both ambition and outlook.
The Ambassador also underscored the importance of human capital in sustaining this trajectory, pointing to Saudi professionals with experience in Japan, and Japanese experts with deep familiarity in the Arab world, as key enablers of future collaboration.
“These individuals are not only bridges between our societies, but partners in execution and co-creation,” he added.
Addressing current global developments, Binzagr framed energy security not as a short-term concern, but as an opportunity to deepen cooperation across the full value chain — from supply and logistics to innovation and future energy systems.
He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment not only to ensuring reliable energy supply, but also to contributing to regional stability, noting that “stability in our region is integral to the stability of our partners.”
The discussion also reflected a growing recognition that resilience, prosperity, and stability are increasingly interconnected — particularly as both countries expand cooperation across advanced and emerging sectors.
Former METI Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued role in maintaining stable energy supplies, particularly during recent regional tensions.
“Saudi Arabia has always been an important energy partner for Japan, and we are grateful for its consistent efforts to ensure supply stability,” Nishimura said, noting deliveries via Yanbu and the East-West pipeline.
He added that bilateral cooperation now extends beyond crude oil to hydrogen, ammonia, and advanced materials, and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening corporate partnerships under the Japan-Saudi Vision framework.
Nishimura also highlighted the strong public engagement with the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in emerging sectors such as e-sports, gaming, anime, space, and advanced industries.
He referred to a recent call between Prime Minister TAKAICHi Sanae and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where both sides reaffirmed their intention to deepen cooperation across innovation-driven sectors.
IWAMOTO Keiichi, Director of the Middle East Division at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided a fact-based overview of Saudi–Japan relations, underscoring the Kingdom’s central role in energy security while highlighting the expanding scope of cooperation across multiple sectors.
The question-and-answer session further deepened the discussion, pointing to future opportunities across a wide spectrum — from animation, sports, gaming, and cultural industries, to advanced technologies and, as raised by participants, potential areas of cooperation in defense — alongside continued expansion in traditional sectors.
Participants noted that these developments reflect a shared recognition of the need for broader collaboration in support of global peace, security, prosperity, and improved quality of life.
The meeting concluded with a shared view that parliamentary engagement will play a central role in translating strategic alignment into tangible outcomes and advancing a more comprehensive Saudi–Japan partnership.
