RIYADH, 30 April 2007 — Saudi Arabia and Japan have agreed to hold periodic political consultations and set up a high-powered task force to boost relations in trade and investment. A joint statement endorsed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has spelled out Saudi support for Japan’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council.
“The creation of a joint task force comprising representatives from the two governments and private sectors to expand investment, particularly in automotive, electronics and construction fields, will be the first step to realize the mission of establishing multilayered relations,” said Noriyuki Shikata, the prime minister’s spokesman.
King Abdullah conferred the prestigious King Abdul Aziz Medal of the First Order on Abe.
The Japanese premier wrapped up his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia yesterday. He later arrived in Abu Dhabi where he met with UAE President Sheikh Khalifa ibn Zayed Al-Nahayan and Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Muhammad ibn Rashid Al-Maktoum. He is also due to visit Egypt, Kuwait and Qatar during his five-day tour.
The joint statement affirmed that efforts should be made by the government and private sectors to develop economic relations. Both sides have welcomed ongoing negotiations to conclude a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Japan and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council.
The joint communiqué called for strengthening and enhancing Saudi-Japanese cooperation in the fields of economy, investment, aviation, environment, culture, education, science and sports.
The statement called for facilitating the entry of Saudi students into Japanese institutions. It reaffirmed the importance of a stable world oil market with Japan expressing its appreciation for the Kingdom’s balanced oil policy.
On regional issues, both sides reaffirmed that “a just and comprehensive solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict based on the international resolutions would be the bedrock of stability in the Middle East.” They reiterated support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state, stressing the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative.
The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to assist the Iraqi people to realize a better future. The Saudi side expressed appreciation for Japan’s contributions to the reconstruction of Iraq.
The statement stressed the importance of urging all Middle East states to accede to the treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and making the region free from all weapons of mass destruction. The Kingdom and Japan have renewed their support to find a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. They called on Iran to cooperate constructively with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
