TOKYO: Kuwait and Japan agreed to upgrade their bilateral relations to a “comprehensive strategic partnership”, which reflects the depth of the relationship and opens new horizons for cooperation. The agreement is a fruit of the official visit by HH the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to Japan on May 28-31, a press release from the Kuwaiti ministry of foreign affairs said on Thursday.

HH the Crown Prince earlier on Thursday met Japanese Emperor Naruhito. HH the Crown Prince conveyed greetings and best wishes of welfare from HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Emperor Naruhito and the Japanese people. The meeting focused on the close historic relations between the two countries in the past six decades, which saw great leaps in various fields, reflecting the aspirations of people in both countries.

HH the Crown Prince held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Thursday on ways to strengthen the relations in various vital areas and serve the mutual interests of both nations amid regional and international changes. They agreed that upgrading the bilateral relations in the political, economic and humanitarian fields materializes both nations’ shared commitment to enhancing security, stability and prosperity on regional and international scales, the statement noted.

TOKYO: HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah meets Japanese Emperor Naruhito (left) and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (right) on May 29, 2025. – KUNA/AFP photos

The talks were preceded by an official reception ceremony for HH the Crown Prince by the Japanese prime minister, which included a military parade and the playing of the national anthems of the countries. During the reception, HH the Crown Prince expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation for the warm welcome and generous hospitality, and conveyed the best greetings of HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal to Japan and its friendly people.

He affirmed Kuwait’s desire to enhance the bilateral ties between the two countries to reach the level of strategic partnership. He also lauded Japan’s supportive stance for Kuwaiti rights during the brutal Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, recalling the historical relations that have bound the two friendly countries since 1958. Ishiba welcomed the official visit of HH the Crown Prince, praising the depth of the historical relations that bind the two friendly countries and peoples. The latest regional and global developments were touched on during the talks. – KUNA