Saudi Crown Prince Bin Salman to Visit Japan on 19th... Coordination of Talks with Kishida

Likely to Stay Until the 21st

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Hee-jong] Saudi Arabia's influential Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is scheduled to visit Japan on the 19th, according to Japanese media such as NHK.

NHK reported, citing officials from the Japanese and Saudi governments, that Crown Prince bin Salman will arrive on the 19th and stay until the 21st. This visit marks his first trip to Japan in three years.

During his visit, Crown Prince bin Salman is expected to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to discuss energy and technology sectors. Kyodo News reported that Prime Minister Kishida and Crown Prince bin Salman are coordinating plans to hold their first meeting in Tokyo on the 20th.

Prime Minister Kishida is likely to request cooperation from Crown Prince bin Salman to stabilize the energy market, including the stable supply of crude oil. Saudi Arabia is Japan's largest crude oil supplier, providing 40% of Japan's crude oil imports. NHK reported, "Crown Prince bin Salman is expected to request cooperation from Japan regarding investment and support in the technology sector."

Meanwhile, Crown Prince bin Salman entered South Korea around 12:30 AM on the 17th, held talks with President Yoon Suk-yeol, and is scheduled to meet with business leaders.