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Gulf Insider
08-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Pavilion At Expo 2025 Osaka Celebrates 70th Anniversary Of Diplomatic Relations With Japan
The Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan. The two countries established diplomatic relations on June 7, 1955, laying the foundation for a long-term partnership that has evolved over the decades into a multifaceted alliance enhancing cultural exchange and diplomatic cooperation. This partnership has also had a significant economic impact on both nations. In February 2025, Saudi Arabia and Japan signed a memorandum to establish a Strategic Partnership Council. In this context, Saudi Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr said that Saudi-Japanese relations have grown and strengthened over the past 70 years. 'The relations go beyond a mere economic partnership to reflect the depth and diversity of our ties. Today, we build on the strength of the past and harness the momentum of the present to jointly shape a new vision for the future,' the ambassador said. 'With Expo 2025 taking place in Osaka and Saudi Arabia hosting Expo 2030 in Riyadh, our two countries stand at the forefront of global exchange, showcasing the latest innovations and sustainable technologies, and contributing to shaping an inclusive future for all.' The Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka hosts hundreds of business events aimed at strengthening trade and investment relations between the Kingdom and Japan. These include presentations led by the Ministries of Investment and Commerce, as well as events highlighting the trade and investment opportunities offered by Saudi Vision 2030. Trade volume between the two countries has grown significantly over the past decade, rising from $33.4 billion to over $41 billion currently. The Saudi Pavilion aims to increase the number of Japanese visitors to the Kingdom, targeting 30,000 annual visitors before Expo 2030 Riyadh. This is part of the comprehensive Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 strategy, which includes more than 80 projects across nine sectors: culture, food and agricultural security, media and entertainment, healthcare, advanced infrastructure, finance and investment, competitive industries, energy, small and medium enterprises, sports, and education. Cultural exchange between the two countries has flourished, highlighted by Saudi Arabia's role in bringing Japanese culture to the Middle East through local manga studios, whose works will be showcased at the Saudi Pavilion in August. The Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka offers more than 700 diverse and engaging events, including daily shows and live performing arts. Since the Expo opened in April 2025, it has attracted over 500,000 visitors. On September 23, it is expected to host a variety of events and presentations in celebration of Saudi National Day.
Saudi Gazette
08-06-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka celebrates 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan
Saudi Gazette report OSAKA — The Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan. The two countries established diplomatic relations on June 7, 1955, laying the foundation for a long-term partnership that has evolved over the decades into a multifaceted alliance enhancing cultural exchange and diplomatic cooperation. This partnership has also had a significant economic impact on both nations. In February 2025, Saudi Arabia and Japan signed a memorandum to establish a Strategic Partnership Council. In this context, Saudi Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr said that Saudi-Japanese relations have grown and strengthened over the past 70 years. 'The relations go beyond a mere economic partnership to reflect the depth and diversity of our ties. Today, we build on the strength of the past and harness the momentum of the present to jointly shape a new vision for the future,' the ambassador said. 'With Expo 2025 taking place in Osaka and Saudi Arabia hosting Expo 2030 in Riyadh, our two countries stand at the forefront of global exchange, showcasing the latest innovations and sustainable technologies, and contributing to shaping an inclusive future for all.' The Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka hosts hundreds of business events aimed at strengthening trade and investment relations between the Kingdom and Japan. These include presentations led by the Ministries of Investment and Commerce, as well as events highlighting the trade and investment opportunities offered by Saudi Vision 2030. Trade volume between the two countries has grown significantly over the past decade, rising from $33.4 billion to over $41 billion currently. The Saudi Pavilion aims to increase the number of Japanese visitors to the Kingdom, targeting 30,000 annual visitors before Expo 2030 Riyadh. This is part of the comprehensive Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 strategy, which includes more than 80 projects across nine sectors: culture, food and agricultural security, media and entertainment, healthcare, advanced infrastructure, finance and investment, competitive industries, energy, small and medium enterprises, sports, and education. Cultural exchange between the two countries has flourished, highlighted by Saudi Arabia's role in bringing Japanese culture to the Middle East through local manga studios, whose works will be showcased at the Saudi Pavilion in August. The Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka offers more than 700 diverse and engaging events, including daily shows and live performing arts. Since the Expo opened in April 2025, it has attracted over 500,000 visitors. On September 23, it is expected to host a variety of events and presentations in celebration of Saudi National Day.
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First Post
04-06-2025
- Business
- First Post
India-Gulf ties gain new strategic depth despite regional crises
While recent regional crises have kept India-Gulf ties subdued, the depth of the relations, combined with recent momentum behind these partnerships, creates a strong foundation for increased integration over the coming decades read more Despite escalating regional crises, from the recent India-Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, India's strategic ties with the Gulf are growing stronger. On April 22, the same day a Pakistan-backed militant group attacked tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Jeddah meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It marked his third visit to Saudi Arabia as prime minister, underscoring a relationship that has steadily expanded in recent years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to an Atlantic Council report, PM Modi's visits in 2016 and 2019 laid the groundwork for the bilateral Strategic Partnership Council, which has since enabled around 50 cooperation agreements in areas such as construction, telecommunications, and technology. A joint committee is also working toward facilitating $100 billion in Saudi investment into India, added the report. While current regional tensions have overshadowed discussions about India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ties, the depth of the relations, combined with recent momentum behind these partnerships, creates a strong foundation for increased India-Gulf integration over the coming decades. Strategic partnerships expand beyond oil India's GDP reached $3.56 trillion in 2023, up from $2.68 trillion in 2020, with projected growth of 6.5% in 2024. This rapid economic expansion has driven a sharp rise in energy demand, making India the world's third-largest oil consumer, after China and the United States. As India seeks to meet this growing demand while transitioning to cleaner energy sources, its partnerships with Gulf countries have become increasingly strategic. Reflecting this shift, recent deals include Saudi Arabia's commitment of $12 billion to India's renewable energy and infrastructure sectors, along with new joint ventures in green hydrogen, solar power, and battery storage. The India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council now functions on two parallel tracks —political/security and economic/investment — highlighting a deepening, institutionalised partnership at the highest levels. India deepens defence ties across the Gulf India's defence ties with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman have grown, with regular joint exercises, defence dialogues, and agreements on intelligence sharing and counterterrorism. India and Saudi Arabia signed a defence cooperation agreement in 2014, enabling the exchange of military information, joint training, and collaboration in areas like logistics, hydrography, and security. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since then, the two countries have conducted regular joint exercises across all military branches, and their Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation has met six times. Most recently, the Indian Army and Royal Saudi Land Forces held their first Army-to-Army Staff Talks on April 23–24 to further boost ties. India's security partnership with Oman is even older and deeper. A military protocol was signed in 1972, followed by a 2005 defence cooperation MoU. In 2018, Prime Minister Modi secured access for the Indian Navy to use Oman's Duqm port for logistics and maintenance. The UAE is also expanding its defence ties with India. During his official visit to India in May, Defence Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum formalised cooperation between the two countries' coast guards and defence industries. A joint statement emphasised the need to scale up defence collaboration to match the rapid growth in trade and business. Free trade on the horizon The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a regional bloc of six countries, plans to launch free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with India in 2025, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This initiative aims to reduce trade barriers, increase economic integration, and foster collaboration across digital, industrial, and service sectors. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India and the GCC share a robust relationship, particularly in the areas of trade, energy, and investment. The GCC has emerged as one of India's key trading partners, with bilateral trade steadily increasing in recent years. Ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are part of New Delhi's broader push to expand economic ties with regional and global blocs. India has been actively pursuing FTAs with multiple countries and regions to boost trade, attract investment, and support long-term economic growth. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), unveiled at the G20 Summit in September 2023, is a key symbol of India's expanding engagement with the Gulf and beyond. Designed to connect India to Europe via the Arabian Peninsula and Israel, IMEC focuses on three main areas: transport, digital infrastructure, and energy. Seen as a strategic counter to China's Belt and Road Initiative, IMEC builds on existing infrastructure to boost regional connectivity. For Gulf countries, it aligns with long-term development goals aimed at diversifying their economies beyond oil. India is a strong supporter of the project, which promises to deepen trade and investment links. However, tensions in the Middle East, especially over potential links between Saudi Arabia and Israel, pose short-term obstacles. Despite this, key elements of IMEC remain viable, and broader India-Gulf cooperation is expected to grow through focused projects in areas like energy, food security, and technology. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India remains a key player in the Gulf. As of 2024, nine million non-resident Indians live in GCC countries, making up 25% of India's global expatriate population. Remittances, cultural, and family ties remain a vital pillar of the relationship, supporting both economies and fostering mutual trust. India's ability to maintain and strengthen its Gulf partnerships amid regional instability, global tensions, and evolving US policies highlights the growing maturity and strategic independence of its foreign policy. Unlike China's largely transactional approach, India is increasingly seen as a long-term partner, with deepening institutional ties in defense, trade, and diaspora engagement that anchor it firmly within the region's social and economic landscape. With inputs from agencies
Arab News
01-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi, Japanese FMs discuss crude oil supply, cooperation in Riyadh
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met his Japanese counterpart, Takeshi Iwaya, in Riyadh on Thursday to discuss bilateral ties. The ministers reviewed strategic and economic relations between Riyadh and Tokyo, and highlighted the need for continued cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Iwaya 'expressed his gratitude for the stable supply of crude oil from Saudi Arabia over the years' and expects the Kingdom to continue its leading role in stabilizing the global crude oil market. The ministry said that Prince Faisal 'reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to the stable supply of crude oil to Japan' and called for improved cooperation in the crude oil sector, as well as in clean energy. The ministers discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in space and defense. They agreed to arrange for the implementation of the Strategic Partnership Council, for which the two countries signed a memorandum in February. Saudi Arabia and Japan are marking the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Tokyo is passing the baton to the Kingdom from Expo 2025 in Osaka, which concludes in October, to the Riyadh Expo 2030, the ministry added. Prince Faisal and Takeshi discussed regional issues, including the necessity of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, US-Iran nuclear negotiations, the war in Ukraine and efforts to achieve a two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi ambassador to Japan, and Saud Al-Sati, deputy minister for political affairs, attended the meeting. On Thursday, Takeshi also held talks with Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi to discuss the Gulf's partnership with Japan in energy security. The two officials agreed to cooperate in various areas, including politics, security, trade and investment. They also exchanged views on Gaza, Syria, Iran, the Red Sea and East Asia.
Asharq Al-Awsat
29-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia: Regional Security Demands Swift Implementation of Fair Solution to Palestinian Cause
The Saudi government stressed on Tuesday that the security of the Middle East demands the swift implementation of a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian cause, in line with international resolutions and the 2002 Arab peace initiative. The solution must ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian state according to the 1967 border and east Jerusalem as its capital. Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet meeting in Jeddah. He briefed the Cabinet on his recent meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II and meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet commended the outcomes of the second meeting of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council, highlighting the expanding economic, trade, and investment relations between the two nations, as well as efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in other sectors. The Cabinet reviewed the Kingdom's extensive participation in regional and international forums, underlining its commitment to supporting collaborative efforts aimed at addressing current challenges and promoting global stability and prosperity The Cabinet underlined the Kingdom's ongoing commitment to expediting Syria's economic recovery. It reiterated its call for regional and international financial institutions to resume and expand their operations in Syria, supporting the aspirations of its people for a brighter future and decent living standards. Domestically, the Cabinet praised the diligent efforts of government agencies that have contributed to the significant achievements of Saudi Vision 2030 as it approaches its ninth year. It noted the remarkable progress outlined in the Vision 2030 Annual Report 2024, which revealed that 93% of the targets across national programs and strategies have been met or exceeded. The Cabinet discussed the third phase of Saudi Vision 2030, slated for 2026 that will concentrate on sustaining the impact of the transformations, capitalizing on emerging growth opportunities, diligently monitoring and strengthening existing initiatives, and further aligning plans and programs with the overarching Vision 2030 to foster greater economic diversification and growth. Moreover, the Cabinet commended the outcomes of the recent Saudi Statistics Forum held in Riyadh, which marked the 65th anniversary of the establishment of statistical work in the Kingdom. It acknowledged the sector's significant advancements in international indicators and its vital role in sustainable development, improving service quality, and driving economic and social growth. The Cabinet highlighted the generous SAR1 billion donation by Crown Prince Mohammed to the National Development Housing Foundation, reflecting his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of citizens and his sustained focus on housing initiatives that provide suitable homes for deserving families throughout the Kingdom.
