Arab News
Kuwait times,
Tue, Sep 02, 2025 | Rabi al-Awwal 10, 1447
GCC, Japan deepen partnership
Kuwait:
The 165th GCC Ministerial Meeting and the second
GCC-Japan Strategic Dialogue in Kuwait on Monday highlighted efforts to
strengthen Gulf cooperation and deepen ties with Japan. Kuwaiti Foreign Minister
Abdullah Al-Yahya praised Gulf unity, while GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi
said discussions focused on political, security, economic and humanitarian
issues, including strong condemnation of Zionist actions in Gaza. He noted the
GCC urged Japan to join the coalition recognizing Palestine, receiving positive
feedback.
The meetings approved a Joint Action Plan
(2024–2028) covering energy, trade, investment, culture and academics, alongside
calls to expedite a GCC-Japan free trade agreement. Japanese Foreign Minister
Takeshi Iwaya stressed Japan’s reliance on Gulf states for over 90 percent of
its crude oil, praised their role in global energy stability and emphasized
cooperation on clean energy, hydrogen and ammonia.
He also underlined partnerships in technology, education, culture, agriculture
and regional development, welcomed GCC participation in Expo Osaka 2025, and
linked Gulf ties to Japan’s broader engagement with Africa. Iwaya was earlier
received by HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and HH
the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.