Japanese Ambassador: Kuwait is an important country, and we have built a broad-based relationship within the framework of our comprehensive strategic partnership
Kuwait City, Aug 30 (KUNA) -- The Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait, Kenichiro Muka, emphasized the importance of Kuwait to Japan regarding the securing of stable energy supplies, adding that within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership, “we have built a broad-based relationship that focuses not only on the economy but also encompasses education, culture, and sports.”
Ambassador Muka stated in an interview today, Sunday, on the occasion of the official visit paid by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jaraah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to Tokyo a few days ago, that Kuwait-Japanese relations have continued to evolve through high-level visits. He added that this momentum was further bolstered by the visit of Kuwait’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, to Japan in May 2025, followed by the visit of then-Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya to Kuwait in September 2025.
Furthermore, he noted that amid ongoing tensions in the region, Sheikh Jaraah Al-Jaber’s visit to Japan under these circumstances holds significant importance for both countries, “and we wish to express our respect and gratitude to him for this visit.”
He clarified that during this visit, Sheikh Jaraah Al-Jaber paid a friendly visit to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, carrying a written message from His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. “The warm reception accorded to Sheikh Jaraah Al-Jaber by Prime Minister Takaichi reflects the importance of Kuwait to Japan as a partner, with both nations sharing the same core values of upholding the rule of law, respecting international law, resolving issues through dialogue with the international community, and jointly addressing international and regional challenges.”
Ambassador Muka pointed out that Foreign Minister Sheikh Jaraah Al-Jaber’s visit to Japan “will contribute to supporting exchanges between our two countries, and it is also my responsibility to work on consolidating these ties here in Kuwait.”
He noted that the Japanese Prime Minister conveyed to Sheikh Jaraah Al-Jaber her determination to continue working closely with Kuwait for peace and stability in the Middle East, and affirmed Japan’s desire to play an active role in supporting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries through reconstruction and economic growth.
He highlighted that the strength of relations between the two friendly countries is evident in the numerous communications between Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jaraah Al-Jaber over a short period (phone calls in April and June, and a meeting in Ankara in July). He added that during that meeting, Minister Motegi expressed his appreciation for Kuwait’s efforts to maintain secure and stable energy supplies for the global market amid difficult regional conditions, and specifically voiced his appreciation and gratitude for the continued stable supply of crude oil from Kuwait to Japan.
Ambassador Muka explained that Asian countries have been significantly affected by the current regional situation, which prompted Japan to launch the (POWERR Asia) initiative as a framework to enhance energy security, finance the purchase of crude oil in emergency situations, and secure critical mineral supply chains across Asia. The initiative also contributes to expanding supply centers and external reserves for oil-exporting Gulf states in the Asia region, “and cooperation with Kuwait in this regard remains indispensable.”
Additionally, he affirmed that Japan is promoting the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” which aims to safeguard stability, ensure freedom of navigation, and support economic prosperity in vital sea lanes.
On another note, he mentioned that on August 24, “we hosted a farewell ceremony at my residence for Kuwaiti athletes participating in the 2026 Asian Games and Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, attended by the Minister of State for Youth and Sports, Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma.” (End) N.W.F
