Saudi Arabia stresses the necessity of keeping the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb, and all sea lanes open and safe
Riyadh, August 19 (KUNA) -- Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stressed on Wednesday the necessity of keeping the Hormuz Strait and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, along with all maritime routes, open, safe, and free from any threats. He emphasized that the Kingdom continues its efforts aimed at de-escalation and preventing the recurrence of tensions and conflicts.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release that these remarks were made during Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, in Riyadh, and their holding of the third Strategic Dialogue between the two countries.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan noted that maritime security is among the shared priorities of both nations, underscoring the importance of protecting freedom of navigation in all international waterways in accordance with international law, and reiterating the need for the Hormuz Strait, Bab al-Mandab, and all maritime routes to remain open, safe, and free from any threats.
He affirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent the resurgence of conflicts, focusing on comprehensive and sustainable diplomatic solutions that address the sources of instability in the region. He pointed out that diplomacy, dialogue, and peaceful means remain our priorities.
In this context, Prince Faisal bin Farhan appreciated Japan’s role in supporting the principles of international law, its humanitarian and developmental contributions, and its positions supporting stability and peaceful solutions. He also emphasized the importance of the established relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Japan, and both countries’ commitment to enhancing cooperation in economic, energy, and technological fields.
He stated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places great importance on its long-standing relations with Japan, which are built on mutual trust and respect, noting that Japan is an important economic partner for the Kingdom. He expressed the Kingdom’s hope to continue developing these relations and to capitalize on the promising economic opportunities available to both countries, particularly in the fields of 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 common goals.
He affirmed that the Kingdom will remain a reliable partner for Japan in various fields, including energy, and appreciated Japan’s efforts and initiatives aimed at enhancing economic resilience and stabilizing energy markets and global trade. (End) A.S. / T.M.A.
