Kuwaiti FM Affirms Strong GCC-Japan Ties At Second Joint Ministerial Meeting

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) KUWAIT, Sept 1 (KUNA) -- Kuwait Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Ministerial Council Abdullah Al-Yahya affirmed Monday that the second GCC-Japan ministerial meeting reflects strong political will and resilient relations built on respect, cooperation, and shared interests.
In his speech, Al-Yahya recalled that the first ministerial meeting hosted in Riyadh in 2023 marked a turning point in the path of strategic dialogue, while today's gathering comes amid sensitive regional and international developments requiring collective action.
He stressed that such cooperation remains a strategic choice aimed at enhancing security and stability, achieving sustainable development, and addressing global challenges through a spirit of partnership, complementarity, and trust between the GCC states and Japan.
Al-Yahya noted that Gulf-Japanese relations witnessed qualitative progress recently through advancements in implementing the joint strategic dialogue action plan (2024-2028), covering key areas such as conventional and renewable energy, technological innovation, environmental protection, education, health, cybersecurity, trade, and investment.
He highlighted that this coincided with noticeable growth in trade exchange, reflecting economic strength, and emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation into strategic sectors including logistics and supply chains, where Japanese expertise in high-speed rail systems could support regional railway connectivity.
The minister further underlined potential collaboration in developing smart infrastructure, reinforcing the region's role as a central hub for global trade, while also integrating Japanese technological capabilities into Gulf development projects shaping future economies and resilient international partnerships.
He stated that economic and commercial relations form a cornerstone of the strategic partnership, with trade exchange reaching around USD 114.4 billion in 2024, underlining economic resilience, though such figures remain below the level of shared ambitions.
Al-Yahya stressed the necessity of exploring untapped opportunities, particularly in sectors like renewable energy, green hydrogen, artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, manufacturing, tourism, and food security, which promise long-term diversification and stronger collaboration between both sides.
He added that accelerating completion of the free trade agreement between the two sides is a strategic priority, capable of creating new horizons by eliminating tariffs, facilitating investment flows, and dismantling non-tariff barriers.
The minister emphasized that such an agreement would strengthen trade in goods and services, enhance capital movement, and consolidate shared interests, thereby creating broader opportunities for sustainable growth, mutual prosperity, and a stronger global economic presence.
Al-Yahya commended the progress of negotiations, especially the second round hosted by Tokyo between June 30 and July 4, 2025, which reflected joint determination to overcome challenges and laid solid foundations for a comprehensive agreement.
He expressed confidence that the GCC-Japan partnership is positioned to become an inspiring model of international cooperation, contributing effectively to global economic stability and prosperity, while serving the common interests of both peoples toward a sustainable, promising future.
The minister praised Japan's hosting of Expo Osaka 2025 under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," which successfully gathered states, organizations, and innovators to propose practical solutions to environmental, developmental, and technological challenges facing the world.
He emphasized that GCC participation in this global event demonstrates commitment to international efforts for sustainable futures, showcasing ambitious visions in clean energy, green economies, digital transformation, and smart cities alongside cultural heritage, youth empowerment, and developmental achievements.
Al-Yahya noted that today's world faces intertwined challenges, ranging from armed conflicts and food crises to climate change, cyber risks, and economic volatility, all of which necessitate deeper consultation and coordinated positions to safeguard common interests.
He expressed appreciation for Japan's principled stances regarding regional issues, particularly its support for the Palestinian cause, endorsement of the two-state solution, humanitarian assistance to Gaza, rejection of escalation, and consistent calls for restraint and adherence to international law.
He reiterated deep concern and condemnation over the Israeli occupation's new settlement plans in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, stressing GCC support for Palestinian rights, ending aggression, lifting the blockade, ensuring humanitarian aid, and establishing an independent Palestinian state. (pickup previous)
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