In a significant move signaling deeper Arab-Japanese ties, Sameh Shoukry, the Foreign Minister of Egypt and current President of the 159th session of the Arab League Council at the ministerial level, expressed keen interest in bolstering relations in various sectors. This comes on the heels of the successful conclusion of the third session of the Arab-Japanese political dialogue, which was attended by Japanese Foreign Minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi.
The joint press briefing on Tuesday marked the culmination of this high-level dialogue held at the Arab League headquarters. Shoukry, representing the Arab delegation, and Hayashi, leading the Japanese side, both highlighted the potential of their bilateral partnership.
Shoukry underlined a shared eagerness to fortify Arab-Japanese relations, lauding Japan’s alignment with Arab viewpoints on regional challenges. They both concurred on the need to resolve regional tensions by adhering to international law and steering clear of double standards.
Key topics, including the Palestinian issue, the importance of counter-terrorism, the commitment to nuclear non-proliferation, and the vision of a nuclear-free world, dominated the dialogue. Reflecting on their shared Eastern heritage, Shoukry acknowledged Japan’s proactive role in championing development across Arab nations.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, accentuated the organization’s dedication to enriching the Arab-Japanese alliance. He emphasized Japan’s influential role on the global stage and anticipated its positive contributions across multiple domains.
Highlighting the history of their collaborative efforts, Aboul Gheit mentioned the establishment of the Arab-Japanese Forum in 2009, with its latest meeting in 2019. With trade relations soaring to $114 billion in 2022, Japan stands as a significant investor in Arab territories. The inception of the Arab-Japanese political dialogue back in 2013 further solidified this partnership.
In Aboul Gheit’s words, the dialogue touched upon “an array of political, economic, environmental, and regional subjects”. The discussions also led to a joint statement that mirrored the mutual understanding and ambitions of both sides, further setting the stage for the fourth Arab-Japanese political dialogue anticipated in 2025.
