Japan and Saudi Arabia agree on importance of safe Hormuz passage without costs

Japan's diplomatic push for safe straits

Japan is stepping up diplomatic efforts to ensure free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, both critical transport waterways for Middle East crude oil, as reported by nippon.com, citing Jiji Press.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi visited Saudi Arabia and Oman, both key players in the region, for six days through Saturday, mainly for talks with his counterparts from the two nations. The visit underscores Japan's growing concern over the safety of maritime routes that are vital to its energy imports.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has also held talks with some Middle East leaders over the phone for cooperation. However, some in the Takaichi administration are calling for her face-to-face meetings with heads of Middle East nations to help achieve a breakthrough, particularly as the course of U.S.-Iran negotiations for ending their conflict remains unpredictable.

Engagement with Oman

During his visit, Motegi met with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi in Muscat on Thursday. At that meeting, Motegi stressed that Japan is ready to play an active role in Oman's ongoing desalination project, a sign of Japan's broader engagement in the region beyond security matters.

The diplomatic push comes at a time of heightened uncertainty in the Middle East, with Japan seeking to maintain stability in waterways that are essential for the global oil supply. The Strait of Hormuz, in particular, has been a flashpoint in regional tensions, and Japan's efforts reflect its interest in preserving free navigation and preventing disruptions to energy flows.

As part of its strategy, Tokyo appears to be combining high-level engagement with concrete offers of cooperation, such as the desalination project support, to strengthen ties with key regional partners. The calls for face-to-face meetings at the prime ministerial level suggest that some officials believe more direct diplomacy is needed to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape.

The outcome of U.S.-Iran negotiations remains a key variable, and Japan's moves are seen as a proactive attempt to prepare for various scenarios, ensuring that its interests are protected regardless of how talks evolve.