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Deputy Press Secretary of Japan’s Foreign Ministry: Nothing Prevents Military Cooperation between Riyadh, Tokyo

Okano Yukiko, deputy press secretary of Japan's Foreign Ministry (Photo: Abdulaziz Al-Arifi)
Okano Yukiko, deputy press secretary of Japan's Foreign Ministry (Photo: Abdulaziz Al-Arifi)
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Deputy Press Secretary of Japan’s Foreign Ministry: Nothing Prevents Military Cooperation between Riyadh, Tokyo

Okano Yukiko, deputy press secretary of Japan's Foreign Ministry (Photo: Abdulaziz Al-Arifi)
Okano Yukiko, deputy press secretary of Japan's Foreign Ministry (Photo: Abdulaziz Al-Arifi)

Okano Yukiko, deputy press secretary of Japan's Foreign Ministry, emphasized the importance of the strategic Japanese-Saudi relations, stressing that the two sides were open to comprehensive cooperation in various fields.

During a press conference on Thursday in Riyadh, Yukiko responded to a question by Asharq Al-Awsat, saying that she does not rule out bilateral cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the military field, if the climate was favorable.

She noted that during the visit of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to the Kingdom in July, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi met with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and agreed to launch an extensive strategic dialogue between Riyadh and Tokyo.

The Japanese official added that the launching of strategic talks between the two parties was based on an agreement between Kishida and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reiterating that Tokyo attached great importance to promoting partnerships with Riyadh.

Yukiko stated that Japan was seeking to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Saudi Arabia, and with the Gulf States, on the largest possible scale and at the global level, while highlighting the importance of establishing a strategic dialogue at the level of foreign ministers to benefit from the existing diplomatic frameworks.

She went on to say that the Japanese foreign minister put forward an initiative to hold a policy planning meeting at the administrative level, for the purpose of freely exchanging views on the prospects of international affairs and common issues in the medium and long term, from a strategic and multi-sectoral standpoint.

The official noted that Hayashi conveyed to his Saudi counterpart the recent decision taken by Japan regarding measures to facilitate the issuance of multiple entry visas for Saudi citizens who meet certain economic requirements.

The two sides are expected to implement tangible cooperation projects to achieve the vision of making the Middle East a global center for the supply of clean energy and vital minerals, she underlined.

Yukiko stressed that the two parties expressed their desire to work closely as two states that recognize the importance of the rule of law and international cooperation.

She noted that the Saudi and Japanese ministers agreed to adopt transparency regarding their views on the situation in the Middle East and East Asia, while continuing to work together to achieve peace and stability in the two regions.

 

 

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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.