Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday sought cooperation from Saudi Arabia to ensure stability in the Middle East amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions.
In his meeting with Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who serves as foreign minister, Abe said he is “deeply worried” about the Middle East situation and Tokyo is aiming to help reduce the tensions through diplomatic efforts.
Abe also explained Japan’s planned dispatch of a Self-Defense Forces destroyer and patrol planes to the region to safeguard commercial shipping, according to the Foreign Ministry.
In response, the Saudi foreign minister hailed the decision, saying that it is the responsibility of “all countries concerned” to secure safe navigation, the ministry said.
Abe also held talks with Saudi King Salman ahead of his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later Sunday.
The Boston Global Forum presented Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with the Award of World Leader for Peace, and Security on Global Cybersecurity Day December 12, 2015 at Harvard University Faculty Club.
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