KUWAIT: The 165th GCC Ministerial Meeting and the second GCC-Japan Strategic Dialogue in Kuwait on Monday highlighted efforts to strengthen Gulf cooperation and deepen ties with Japan. Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya praised Gulf unity, while GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi said discussions focused on political, security, economic and humanitarian issues, including strong condemnation of Zionist actions in Gaza. He noted the GCC urged Japan to join the coalition recognizing Palestine, receiving positive feedback.
The meetings approved a Joint Action Plan (2024–2028) covering energy, trade, investment, culture and academics, alongside calls to expedite a GCC-Japan free trade agreement. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya stressed Japan’s reliance on Gulf states for over 90 percent of its crude oil, praised their role in global energy stability and emphasized cooperation on clean energy, hydrogen and ammonia.
HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah receive Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya at Bayan Palace on Sept 1, 2025 on the occasion of the second Japan-GCC Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Cooperation Meeting.
He also underlined partnerships in technology, education, culture, agriculture and regional development, welcomed GCC participation in Expo Osaka 2025, and linked Gulf ties to Japan’s broader engagement with Africa. Iwaya was earlier received by HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
