Press Conference by Prime Minister Kishida regarding His Visits to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar and Other Matters
[Provisional translation]
(On his first Middle East tour in three years and a half to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar)
As you have pointed out, I will today leave Japan for three countries: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. I plan to hold sperate meetings with H.R.H. Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar. These three countries are not only extremely important partners for Japan's energy security, but also have in recent years increased their presence in the international arena on both political and economic fronts. They have expanded the areas of their cooperation with Japan. They are all actively working to diversify their industries and realize a decarbonized society, and we hope that Japan’s advanced technology will be used to achieve more cooperation in such areas as well. During the series of visits, I hope to confirm close cooperation with the leaders of each country to achieve global energy security and a realistic green transformation. In addition, many business executives will accompany us to visit these countries as an economic mission. We hope to take this opportunity to further strengthen our ties with each country in the areas of trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges, including even more business investment opportunities. I also hope to have in-depth discussions with the leaders of the three countries on international and regional affairs, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and take this opportunity to confirm cooperation for the peace and stability of the international community, while recognizing the importance of a free and open international order based on the rule of law, also in light of the outcome of the G7 Hiroshima Summit.
As for our response to the heavy rainfall, I have given and updated necessary instructions, and a short while ago, we have reviewed how the Government has responded so far. During my trip abroad, the entire Government will continue its response with a sense of urgency and vigilance in close collaboration with municipalities under the leadership of Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno, who will serve as Prime Minister ad interim, and Minister of State for Disaster Management Tani, while I will also be updated on the response to the disaster. The entire Government is determined to take all possible measures to respond to the disaster. Thank you.