[Provisional translation]
On April 23, commencing at 11:00 a.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone call with H.R.H. Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
- At the outset, Prime Minister TAKAICHI expressed her sympathy regarding human and material damage in Saudi Arabia by attacks from Iran, and conveyed her respect for Saudi Arabia’s efforts, together with the mediating countries, toward a diplomatic resolution. Prime Minister TAKAICHI also expressed her gratitude for the substantial assistance provided when Japanese nationals staying in countries neighboring Saudi Arabia departed via Riyadh.
- Prime Minister TAKAICHI conveyed Japan’s position that what matters most is that the ceasefire is maintained and that de-escalation of the situation, including ensuring the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, is steadily achieved as soon as possible, and that it is important for the U.S. and Iran to reach a final agreement through talks. Prime Minister TAKAICHI further stated that Japan has supported the talks between the United States and Iran as well as the diplomatic efforts of the mediating countries, and that Japan will continue to work tenaciously, in coordination with the international community including Saudi Arabia, to make necessary diplomatic efforts.
- Prime Minister TAKAICHI also expressed her appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued supply of crude oil to Japan via Yanbu Port even after the outbreak of the situation, and requested cooperation toward the expansion of energy supply to Japan.
- In response, H.R.H. Prince Mohammed expressed Saudi Arabia’s intention to respond positively in order to ensure energy supply to markets including Japan. He also stated that Saudi Arabia would continue to cooperate with Japan to stabilize the situation, including ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Both leaders concurred that they would further strengthen cooperation under the Strategic Partnership Council, in particular, in the fields of e-sports and gaming, space, AI technology, and investment, and also concurred on cooperating toward the Riyadh Expo 2030.