Saudi Arabia, Japan reaffirm strategic partnership, call for Hormuz de-escalation

TOKYO — Saudi Arabia and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership during deputy foreign ministers’ talks in Tokyo, while calling for an immediate de-escalation in the Middle East and the protection of maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.The meeting was co-chaired by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Eng. Waleed Elkhereiji and Japan’s First Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and diplomatic adviser to the prime minister, Hiroyuki Namazu. Saudi Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Binzagr also attended.The two sides reaffirmed their determination to deepen bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors, including political affairs, security, energy and advanced technologies.They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including developments in the Middle East, the Red Sea, and the Indo-Pacific region, and agreed to continue close coordination between the two countries.On the situation in the Middle East, both sides stressed the importance of an immediate de-escalation and ensuring the freedom and safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without the imposition of any additional charges.