Japanese Ambassador: Grateful for the continued supply of crude oil from Kuwait to our country
Japan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Kenichiro Mukai, emphasized the importance of Kuwait to his country 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 Mukai stated in an interview marking the official visit of Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jara Al-Jaber to Tokyo a few days prior, that Kuwait-Japan relations have continued to evolve through high-level visits. He added that this momentum was further bolstered by the visit of His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, to Japan in May 2025, followed by the visit of then-Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi to Kuwait in September 2025. Furthermore, he noted that amid ongoing tensions in the region, Sheikh Jara Al-Jaber’s visit to Japan under these circumstances holds significant importance for both countries, stating, “We wish to express our respect and gratitude to him for this visit.”
He clarified that during this visit, Sheikh Jara Al-Jaber paid a friendly visit to Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, carrying a written message from His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad. He highlighted that the warm reception accorded to Sheikh Jara Al-Jaber by Prime Minister Takaichi reflected the importance of Kuwait to Japan as a partner, noting that both nations share the same core values regarding the rule of law, respect for international law, resolving issues through dialogue with the international community, and jointly addressing international and regional challenges.
Ambassador Mukai pointed out that Foreign Minister Sheikh Jara 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.”
On economic growth, he noted that the Japanese Prime Minister conveyed to Sheikh Jara 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 Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries through reconstruction and economic growth.
He explained that the robustness of relations between the two countries is evident in the numerous communications between Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jara 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, specifically conveying his appreciation and gratitude for the continued stable supply of crude oil from Kuwait to Japan.
Ambassador Mukai indicated 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-producing Gulf states in the Asia region, “and cooperation with Kuwait in this regard remains indispensable.”
Furthermore, 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 held a farewell ceremony at my residence for Kuwaiti athletes participating in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Asian Para Games, attended by State Minister for Youth and Sports Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma.”
