Japan, Arab Nations Agree to Cooperate for Indo-Pacific Vision

Tokyo, April 1 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Thursday sought Arab nations' cooperation to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific, a vision proposed by Japan. He made the request at an online ministerial meeting between Japan and Arab League nations, apparently having China's growing presence in mind. Many participants from the Arab League voiced support for the initiative. China has been boosting its presence in the Middle East and Africa, mainly on the economic front, in recent years. Motegi noted that the Middle East is located in the middle of the critical sea lanes connecting East Asia and Africa. The Arab side stressed the importance of protecting a free and open order in the region. Motegi expressed serious concern over China's military activities in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. This was the second meeting of the Japan-Arab Political Dialogue, after the first meeting in September 2017. The dialogue framework was created to deepen Japan's engagement in the Arab region. END