Inaugural Bahrain–Japan strategic dialogue commences in Tokyo
Tokyo, Sept. 9 (BNA): The inaugural session of the Strategic Dialogue between Bahrain and Japan commenced today in Tokyo, with the participation of Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Takeshi Iwaya, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, alongside official delegations from both nations.
At the beginning of the meeting, the two ministers signed a Joint Statement establishing the Strategic Dialogue between the Government of Bahrain and the Government of Japan. This initiative aims to strengthen the bilateral relations across various sectors, and to foster ongoing cooperation between the two countries and their peoples. It also provides a platform for the exchange of views on regional and international developments and facilitates the implementation of joint initiatives in diverse fields including politics, security, economy, energy, environment and climate change, trade and investment, content creation, and broader cultural cooperation.
At the opening session, the Japanese Minister expressed his pleasure at the launch of the first Strategic Dialogue between the two countries. He underscored the signing of the Joint Statement as a significant milestone, reflecting the longstanding ties between Bahrain and Japan, recalling in particular that Bahrain was Japan’s first partner in the region when it exported its first shipment of oil to Japan in 1934. He affirmed Japan’s commitment to enhancing the Bahraini-Japanese relations.
For his part, Dr Al Zayani expressed his pride in the commencement of the inaugural Strategic Dialogue, noting that the launch coincides with the celebration of over fifty years of diplomatic relations since their establishment in 1972, adding that these relations have always been characterised by mutual respect, constructive cooperation, and enduring friendship.
The minister noted that this solid partnership has yielded significant progress in many areas, including politics, security, economic, trade, and culture. He extended Bahrain’s appreciation to the Government of Japan for its support of Bahrain’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term and expressed hope for continued Japanese support of Bahrain’s efforts to contribute positively to international peace and security.
He added that the two countries are well-positioned to leverage their strategic potential to boost trade and investment, particularly in key sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and sustainable development. He highlighted the shared values of innovation and sustainability, as embodied in Bahrain’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, which reflects the Kingdom’s maritime heritage and its commitment to a sustainable future.
The Minister emphasised that the meeting represents more than a dialogue, it marks a pivotal step towards a robust partnership that extends beyond traditional diplomacy. It serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas and visions, the identification of common goals, and the reaffirmation of a shared commitment to regional and international stability and prosperity.
During the session, both sides reviewed the historical ties of friendship between Bahrain and Japan, and the progress made across various fields of bilateral cooperation. The meeting also focused on ways to enhance these relations through the activation of existing agreements, the empowerment of the private sector in economic growth, the exchange of official and specialised delegations, and the expansion of trade and investment flows.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international political and security developments, and current efforts at both regional and global levels to de-escalate tensions and resolve conflicts in areas of instability across East Asia and Europe.
The meeting also discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue and the war in Gaza, the efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace that benefits all peoples of the region and the importance of securing maritime navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al Mandab.
Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Al Doseri, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Japan; Ambassador Khaled Yousef Al Jalahma, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs; Okai Asako, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Bahrain; Ambassador Saeed Abdulkhaliq, Chief of Coordination and Follow-up Sector; Munira Noufal Al Doseri, Chief of the Asia and Pacific Affairs Sector; attended the meeting.
