17/05/2026
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17/05/2026
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Events of the past several weeks have been profoundly challenging to the State of Kuwait, yet they have served to highlight the resilience of its people, like the Al-Arfaj flower in the harsh desert condition. I am deeply impressed by the resilience, strength and unity of people of Kuwait and reaffirm Japan’s solidarity with Kuwait. We remain committed to sustaining our diplomatic efforts in close partnership, as reflected in our recent engagements.
Visit of State Minister of Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan
Mr. YAMADA Kenji, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry visited Kuwait on May 7 and held meetings with H.E. Mr. Tareq Sulaiman Al-Roumi, Minister of Oil and H.E. Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy.
In the talks with H.E. Mr. Al-Roumi, discussions focused on enhancing the stable petroleum supplies and developing resilient supply chains, and both sides agreed to continue working closely together on energy cooperation by strengthening energy security. In the meeting with H.E. Dr. Al-Mukhaizeem, the Minister expressed appreciation for long-standing contributions of Japanese companies in the area of water and electricity and expectations for further cooperation under the current challenging circumstances. They further discussed the potential opportunities to strengthen cooperation.
The visit proved constructive, both in affirming our solidarity with Kuwait and in conducting in-depth, face-to-face talks on enhancing bilateral cooperation. In this context, the State Minister YAMADA also proposed exploring collaboration under the “Partnership On Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia (POWERR Asia)” to enhance energy security and supply-chain resilience.
Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia (POWERR Asia)
Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz not only directly affects our GCC partners but also impacts Asian countries that are closely connected each other through energy supply chains. In April, Japanese Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae announced the launch of a new cooperation framework “Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia (POWERR Asia)”. This initiative includes approximately $10 billion financial assistance for expanding crude oil reserves in Asian countries, establishing secure sea lanes, and restoring production capacity including oil facilities in the Middle East. The initial project under POWERR Asia is expected to involve the procurement of crude oil for the Nghi Son Refinery in Vietnam, which is jointly operated by Japanese and Kuwaiti partners. This highlights Kuwait as an indispensable comprehensive and strategic partner for Japan in strengthening energy security in Asia.
Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)
POWERR Asia is a key component of the updated “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”.. Japan proposed FOIP a decade ago, grounded in the fundamental principles of upholding freedom, the rule of law, and respecting diversity, inclusiveness, and openness. This concept has since been widely shared as a clear vision of Japanese diplomacy. Amidst current global challenges, FOIP has been updated to prioritize the resilience and capability for the countries in the Indo-Pacific region to have freedom to decide for themselves across the economic, social, and security domains so that they can determine their own future.
The Updated FOIP focuses on three priority areas. First, building economic infrastructure for the age of AI and data including by strengthening supply chain resilience for energy and critical materials. Second, co-creating economic growth opportunities through public-private collaboration and rule sharing. Third, enhancing cooperation in the field of security to ensure regional peace and stability. Guided by the Updated FOIP, and recognizing that resilient supply chains are essential for ensuring stable petroleum supplies -vital to economic activities even in the event of crises in the Strait of Hormuz-Japan will advance the efforts through POWERR Asia.
Japan-Kuwait Partnership
Currently, the security environment is changing at an accelerating pace across various fields and a free and open international order based on the rule of law is facing a serious challenge. Despite these circumstances, Japan’s stance remains unchanged. Japan has consistently contributed to the peace and prosperity of the international community, adhering to international law, including the United Nations Charter. Japan is determined to work toward maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law. In this regard, I trust that Japan and Kuwait share the same commitment and will continue working together.
Japan and Kuwait have deepened our bilateral relations for 65 years until today as true friends who have helped one another in times of need. Last year, we agreed to upgrade our bilateral relationship to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.” As comprehensive strategic partners, Japan and Kuwait must continue to strengthen our cooperation toward peace and stability in the Middle East, a stable supply of energy, and the secure supply of essential goods. Even amid these challenging circumstances, guided by the Updated FOIP and with the initiatives of POWERR Asia, Japan continues the efforts for energy security to be more resilient and prosperous together with our partners, including Kuwait.
