MUSCAT: Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, and Motegi Toshimitsu, Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs, discussed the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries, affirming the existing partnership and the commitment to further building upon and developing it across various political, economic, and cultural fields. They also emphasised the importance of political dialogue and the exchange of views on issues of common interest.
Regarding the latest regional and international developments and their resolution, the two sides discussed efforts to de-escalate tensions and create conducive conditions for peaceful solutions in the region, particularly concerning the freedom and safety of maritime navigation through the vital waterways of the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al Mandab, in accordance with international law, thereby preserving the security of international trade and the stability of global supply chains.
The two sides also explored ways to enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation between their two friendly countries and to encourage partnerships between public and private sector institutions.
Kitamura Toshihiro, Press Secretary and Assistant Minister, Director-General for Press and Public Diplomacy at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaking to the media, said the visit of Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi to the Sultanate of Oman comes within the framework of strengthening regional coordination and supporting the ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the Sultanate of Oman. The remarks came during a press briefing held at Grand Hyatt Hotel on the occasion of the visit.
Kitamura explained that this marks the Foreign Minister’s second visit to the region, following a trip to Israel, Palestine and Qatar in January. Before arriving in Oman, Motegi visited Saudi Arabia, where he held a bilateral meeting with his Saudi counterpart. He noted that Motegi’s meeting today with his Omani counterpart, Foreign Minister Badr al Busaidi, marked their first in-person meeting as foreign ministers, despite three prior telephone conversations between them. The talks lasted more than two hours and included a working lunch.
The two main objectives of the visit, Kitamura said, were discussing the regional situation surrounding Iran and strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries. On the regional file, he said Japan had listened to the Omani government’s views on its role in facilitating diplomatic efforts across the region, stressing that the freedom and safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains a priority for Japan given its direct impact on global supply chains and the international economy. He said Japan is not directly involved in the crisis but is ready to support initiatives taken by the Omani government to ease tensions on this front.
On bilateral cooperation, Kitamura said Japan looks forward to working with Oman to realise the goals of Oman Vision 2040, noting the two countries’ long-standing relationship, which will mark its 55th anniversary next year. He pointed to the energy sector as a cornerstone of this relationship, with Japan importing significant volumes of crude oil and liquefied natural gas from Oman. He expressed Japan’s interest in expanding cooperation to include clean energy and hydrogen, noting growing interest from Japanese companies in investing in this area.
Kitamura also revealed a Japanese initiative called the Power Asia Initiative, announced by Japan’s Prime Minister in April, aimed at supporting Asian countries affected by the crisis through emergency financial assistance and medium to long-term crude oil stockpiling facilities.
On broader economic and security cooperation, Kitamura pointed to ongoing negotiations between Japan and Gulf Cooperation Council countries over an economic partnership agreement, without specifying a timeline for its conclusion. He also highlighted the importance of ports along the Indian Ocean as an alternative logistics route outside the Strait of Hormuz, alongside existing security cooperation, with Japan’s Self-Defense Forces participating in anti-piracy operations in the region supported by Omani port visits and supplies.
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