Japan on Monday signaled it would study a Gulf Arab proposal to join an international coalition recognizing a Palestinian state, during the second ministerial meeting of the Gulf-Japan Strategic Dialogue held in Kuwait.
The talks were chaired by Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, current chairman of the GCC ministerial council, and attended by his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and ministers from across the bloc.
Al-Budaiwi said Gulf states had urged Tokyo to accelerate negotiations on a free trade agreement and to consider the recognition initiative.
“We heard positive responses from the Japanese side, which confirmed they will study the matter,” he told reporters.
Talks also focused on strengthening cooperation in politics, security and humanitarian issues, as well as developing future-oriented partnerships in renewable energy, green hydrogen, artificial intelligence, advanced technology, manufacturing, tourism and food security.
Gulf officials stressed the importance of speeding up free trade talks with Japan, describing the deal as a key tool to expand trade and investment flows.
Al-Yahya said completing the agreement was “a strategic priority” that would eliminate tariffs, ease mutual investments and remove non-tariff barriers.
Bilateral trade between Japan and GCC countries reached $114.4 billion in 2024. Both sides agreed to build on that by boosting economic ties and diversifying cooperation.
The Gulf-Japan ministerial dialogue, now in its second round, is part of GCC efforts to strengthen ties with global partners and organizations.
