Saudi Arabia: Necessity of keeping the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and all sea lanes open and safe

Saudi Foreign Minister, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan, emphasized the necessity of keeping the Hormuz Strait and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, along with all other sea lanes, open, secure, and free from any threats. He underscored the Kingdom’s continued efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent the recurrence of conflicts.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release that these remarks were made during a meeting in Riyadh between Prince Faisal and his Japanese counterpart, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, at the Third Strategic Dialogue between the two countries.

Prince Faisal noted that maritime security is among the shared priorities of both nations, stressing the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation in all international waterways in accordance with international law. He reiterated the necessity of maintaining the Hormuz Strait and Bab al-Mandab Strait, as well as all other sea lanes, open, secure, and free from any threats.

He affirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent the resurgence of conflicts by focusing on comprehensive and sustainable diplomatic solutions that address the root causes of instability in the region. He pointed out that diplomacy, dialogue, and peaceful means remain our top priorities.

In this context, Prince Faisal appreciated Japan’s role in supporting the principles of international law, its humanitarian and developmental contributions, and its positions backing stability and peaceful solutions. He also highlighted the importance of the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan, noting both countries’ commitment to enhancing cooperation in economic, energy, and technological fields.

He stated that Saudi Arabia places great importance on its decades-long relationship with Japan, which is built on mutual trust and respect, adding that Japan is a key economic partner for the Kingdom.

He expressed Saudi Arabia’s hope to continue developing these relations and to capitalize on the promising economic opportunities available to both countries, particularly in investment, energy, resources, supply chains, defense, and technology, as well as through the exchange of expertise and capabilities, thereby supporting our priorities and achieving our shared objectives.

He affirmed that Saudi Arabia will remain a reliable partner for Japan in various fields, including energy, while appreciating Japan’s efforts and initiatives aimed at enhancing economic resilience and stabilizing global energy and trade markets.