Japan in talks with Saudi Arabia on maritime defense alliance

Japan's Foreign Ministry has said it is in discussions with Saudi Arabia regarding the issue of a maritime defense alliance.

Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Toshihiro Kitamura told Asharq Bloomberg that Tokyo rejects any fees imposed on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, stressing that ensuring the freedom and safety of navigation in these straits is of vital importance to Japan.

He added that Japan has not yet made an official decision on the participation of its military (Self-Defense Forces), but that defense authorities in both countries are in ongoing contact. He confirmed that the Japanese Foreign Ministry supports these discussions between the relevant authorities.