Fifth series of political discussions between Kuwait and Japan take place
The fifth round of political consultations between Kuwait and Japan, held on August 8, 2025, resulted in a significant agreement to enhance cooperation across various sectors. The Kuwaiti delegation was led by Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Samih Hayat, while the Japanese side was headed by Assistant Foreign Minister and Director-General for the Middle East and Africa Bureau Ambassador Toshihide Ando.
The two nations agreed to boost cooperation in energy, food trade, healthcare, economic, commercial, investment, cultural, scientific, academic, renewable energy, oil, and petrochemicals. This collaboration is seen as crucial for energy security, cost stability, and sustainable growth.
Energy cooperation was a key area of discussion, with both sides reaffirming their intention to promote bilateral energy collaboration. Kuwait's long-standing stable supply of crude oil to Japan, critical for energy security and cost stabilization, was appreciated.
Discussions also included the final stages of lifting the ban on Japanese beef imports into Kuwait to enhance bilateral food trade. Health cooperation was identified as a priority area for expansion, with plans to increase expertise exchange and joint projects in the health sector.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) collaboration was another focus, with Kuwait, as the GCC president for the year, and Japan agreeing to strengthen cooperation within the GCC framework, aiming to stabilize the Middle East and East Asia regions.
Regional security and stability were also discussed, with collaborative efforts toward the stabilization of both the Middle East and East Asia forming part of their broader diplomatic engagement.
The talks were held in a "friendly atmosphere" and reflected "largely identical" viewpoints on key issues. The consultations prepared for Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi's visit to Kuwait, scheduled for September 1. During his visit, the second GCC-Japan strategic dialogue ministerial meeting will take place.
Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Sami Al-Zamanan and senior officials from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the consultations. The discussions centred on follow-up to His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled's official visit to Japan last May. Coordination in international forums, particularly the United Nations, was also discussed.
Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi is expected to meet Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya during his visit to deepen this strategic partnership and explore new cooperation opportunities. The consultations marked a positive step forward in strengthening the long-standing relationship between Kuwait and Japan.
- The strategic partnership between Kuwait and Japan, extended to international forums such as the United Nations, aims to address general news topics like regional security and stability.
- The collaboration in energy, food trade, healthcare, and other sectors, as agreed upon during the political consultations, is expected to contribute significantly to both countries' general news sectors, including energy security and cost stability.
