Japan’s Kishida steps up energy diplomacy with Middle East tour in push for ‘stable’ ties

Japan is hoping to boost cooperation in hydrocarbon and decarbonisation, and environmentally friendly energy technologies, with Middle East countries

Japan, which is dependent on Middle East imports for most of its energy sources, is also looking to position itself as a reliable partner in the region’s growth

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Photo: Reuters

Published: 11:30am, 16 Jul 2023

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to the Middle East this weekend is expected to strengthen hydrocarbon and decarbonisation between Japan and the region, and in securing stable energy supplies for Tokyo in a bid to differentiate itself from other powers including China, analysts say.

During his visit to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar beginning Sunday, Kishida is expected to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.

The leaders will discuss a wide range of topics, including regional and international issues, as well as bilateral relations, according to Japan’s foreign affairs ministry.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said on Thursday that Kishida’s visit was also aimed at helping Japanese companies expand business opportunities in the region.

Japan is dependent on imports from the Middle East for most of its energy sources, including crude oil and liquefied natural gas.

Satoru Nakamura, an international relations professor from Kobe University who specialises in the Middle East, said Kishida was heading to the Arabian Gulf with “diplomatic confidence” after successfully hosting the G7 summit in May.