Dubai-Japan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Fumio Kishida said that Saudi Arabia was an important economic partner and a key player in the region’s stability.

In remarks to Asharq al-Awsat newspaper on Thursday, the Japanese foreign affairs minister welcomed the visit of Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Tokyo, noting that his country was keen on promoting bilateral relations with the Kingdom at all levels.

Kishida said that the Middle East was witnessing difficult challenges, represented by extremism, youth unemployment and instability, adding that Japan has pledged to work with Saudi Arabia to achieve coexistence and prosperity and promote moderation in the region.

The Japanese foreign minister said his country was keen on strengthening partnership with the Kingdom and contributing to the achievement of stability in the Middle East.

He noted that Japan was focusing on three main goals, namely contributing to economic reforms in Saudi Arabia, strengthening cooperation in culture and sports by promoting the Japanese culture in the Kingdom, and consolidating political dialogue to achieve stability in the Middle East.

Kishida stressed the need to find a solution to the ongoing crisis in Syria and Yemen, adding that his country would actively engage in talks with the deputy crown prince to reach constructive means of cooperation in this regard.

He added that Japan was also seeking to extend its cooperation with other Arab countries in order to promote the values of coexistence and common prosperity.

The Japanese foreign minister also lauded Saudi Arabia’s efforts to implement economic reforms with the adoption of Saudi Vision 2030 under the directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

He expressed his country’s interest in supporting Saudi efforts in this regard by sharing Japanese expertise and launching a framework for cooperation.

Source: english.aawsat.com