Japan’s foreign minister to visit Kuwait in September

TOKYO: Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya is set to visit Kuwait on September 1 for official talks aimed at deepening the countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership and exploring new opportunities for bilateral cooperation. The visit was announced during the fifth round of political consultations held between Kuwait and Japan’s foreign ministries in Tokyo. The talks were co-chaired by Kuwait’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Ambassador Sameeh Hayat, and Japan’s Assistant Foreign Minister and Director-General for Middle East and Africa Affairs, Ambassador Toshihide Ando.

During the discussions, both sides highlighted the health sector as a priority area for collaboration. In a statement published by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Ambassador Hayat said the discussions emphasized “the importance of the health sector and other main areas of cooperation, which can be further expanded given their priority for development, sustainability, and global competitiveness.” Ambassador Hayat said the discussions took place “in a friendly atmosphere reflecting the depth of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, which has lasted more than six decades.”

Ambassador Sameeh Hayat (right) and Ambassador Toshihide Ando.

GCC-Japan meeting

Consultations also focused on following up on the outcomes of Kuwait’s Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah’s visit to Japan in May, which elevated bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This partnership spans a wide array of sectors—including economic, commercial, investment, health, cultural, scientific, academic, renewable energy, oil, and petrochemicals—all of which play a vital role in ensuring energy security and stabilizing costs.

Both sides expressed a strong desire to expand their economic cooperation and discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest. Ambassador Hayat also praised Japan’s historic support for Kuwait’s just cause during the 1990 Iraqi invasion and recalled the longstanding cooperation dating back to 1958 through joint oil exploration efforts.

The upcoming visit by Minister Iwaya will include official talks with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and participation in the second joint ministerial meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council-Japan strategic dialogue, signaling a commitment to elevate bilateral relations even further. — KUNA