Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

*Note: This is a provisional translation for reference purposes only.

9:50 to 9:59 a.m.
Friday, January 10, 2025
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

To begin, I would like to mention two points.

Visits to Saudi Arabia and the UAE

First, from January 11 to 16, I will visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). I will participate in the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 Ministerial Roundtable to be held in Saudi Arabia and the World Future Energy Summit to be held in the UAE. I am also scheduled to hold meetings with ministers responsible for energy and the economy.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are Japan’s most important partner countries in terms of ensuring energy security. Amid calls for the stability of the situation in the Middle East, I would like to encourage these countries to stabilize the international crude oil market. In addition, I would like to enhance economic ties with these countries in a wide range of fields in addition to decarbonization and energy.

In preparation for this visit to Saudi Arabia, last night I held a video conference with H.R.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy. I encouraged Minister Abdulaziz to stabilize the international crude oil market, and we confirmed that Japan and Saudi Arabia will enhance cooperation in the field of energy.

Tightening of the sanctions against Russia

Secondly, I will talk about the matter related to Russia. In response to the agreement reached at the G7 summit meeting, the government made a Cabinet Decision today on the necessary revision of laws and regulations to tighten the sanctions against Russia. This will come into effect on January 23.

Specifically, the government will prohibit the exports to Russia of engines and parts for special vehicles, including cranes, small motorcycles, and audio equipment. Along with this, we have taken measures to stop exports of these products through organizations in third countries.

We will continue to do our utmost to support the sanctions against Russia while working with the international community, including the G7.

For details, the administrative staff will provide an explanation later.

Question-and-Answer Session

Visits to Saudi Arabia and the UAE

Q: Regarding your opening remarks, what specific economic results do you intend to achieve in Saudi Arabia and the UAE? Moreover, you mentioned earlier that you would like to enhance ties with these countries in a wide range of economic fields in addition to energy. Could you offer your view on what fields Japan should enhance cooperation ties in addition to energy, including ideal approaches to supporting Japanese companies?

A: This year is a milestone marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia. This year is also the year when Japan hosts Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. We will take over the exposition from the UAE, the host country in 2020, and pass it on to Saudi Arabia, the host country in 2030. Bearing this connection in mind and aiming to further enhance ties with the two countries, I would like to make progress not only in cooperation in the field of energy as I mentioned earlier but also in commercialization partnerships for energy-saving seawater desalination systems in the field of cutting-edge technology is outside new energy.

I would like to advance cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the fields of games and e-sports and cooperation with the UAE in the field of space, by taking advantage of the strong points of Japanese companies. During these visits, a roundtable will be held and I am scheduled to attend it accompanied by the representatives of about 30 Japanese companies.

Amid growing tension of the Middle East situation, we intend to support Japanese companies in further developing business in the region through building systems for promoting investment and developing human resources. Through this, I hope to contribute to the growth of Japan and the stabilization of the region.