Telephone conversation between Defense Minister Kishi and Prince Khalid of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

February 4, 2021
Japan Ministry of Defense
in Japanese

On February 4, 2021, Minister KISHI Nobuo held a telephone conversation with Deputy Minister of Defense, H.R.H. Prince Khalid bin Salman.

  1. Minister Kishi and His Royal Highness Prince Khalid exchanged views on bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges and current regional security issues. Minister Kishi expressed view that free and open maritime order based on the rule of law is important.
  2. Both concurred in promoting bilateral defense cooperation in the context of preventing the spread of infectious diseases, including sharing expertise and lessons learned during disaster relief operations, in light of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.
  3. Minister Kishi explained the information gathering activities by the SDF for ensuring the safe navigation of the Japan-related vessels in the Middle East and both agreed to continue close communication for ensuring peace, stability and safe navigation of the vessels in the Middle East.
  4. Both also concurred in proactively promoting defense cooperation and exchanges while maintaining close communication between the defense authorities.