Japan Requests Saudi Assistance to Secure Oil Supply Amid Hormuz Crisis

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday requested further cooperation from Saudi Arabia to ensure Tokyo’s energy supply amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Takaichi also expressed thanks for Riyadh’s support in supplying crude oil to Japan via the Red Sea after US-Israel attacks prompted Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, according to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In response to Tokyo’s new request, the crown prince expressed his willingness to respond positively to guarantee stable energy supplies to the market, including Japan.

The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to coordinate in efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East as soon as possible.

Saudi Arabia is currently cooperating with Pakistan, which is acting as a mediator between the United States and Iran, to seek a diplomatic solution.

In addition to energy issues, Japan and Saudi Arabia agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of eSports, gaming, space, artificial intelligence, and investments.

They pledged to support the success of the World Expo 2030 in Riyadh.

Japan itself hosted the World Expo in Osaka last year.

Source: Kyodo