Kuwait, Japan hold fifth round of political consultations

Kuwait and Japan convened the fifth round of political consultations at the foreign ministry level on Friday, reaffirming their commitment to deepening the six-decade friendship and strategic cooperation between the two countries.

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.

Ambassador Hayat told KUNA the talks were held in a “friendly atmosphere” and reflected “largely identical” viewpoints on key issues. Discussions centered on follow-up to His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled’s official visit to Japan last May, during which the bilateral relationship was elevated to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Both sides pledged to advance cooperation across economic, trade, investment, energy, petrochemical, renewable energy, health, cultural, academic, and technical sectors—areas seen as crucial for energy security, cost stability, and sustainable growth.

They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including Middle East and Northeast Asia issues, and coordination in international forums, particularly the United Nations.

Hayat recalled Japan’s unwavering support for Kuwait during the 1990 Iraqi invasion and highlighted historic ties dating back to 1958 through joint oil exploration with the Arabian Oil Company.

The consultations also prepared for Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi’s upcoming visit to Kuwait on September 1, during which he will meet Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and take part in the second GCC–Japan strategic dialogue ministerial meeting. Health cooperation was identified as a priority area for expansion, with plans to increase expertise exchange and joint projects in the sector.

The talks were attended by senior diplomats from both foreign ministries, including Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Sami Al-Zamanan and senior officials from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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