Speaking at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan, Abdelatty said Egypt maintains balanced relations with major powers, including the United States, China, Russia and European countries, based on national interests and international law.

He described the Palestinian issue as central to regional peace and stability, expressing concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and calling for increased aid deliveries and early recovery efforts. He also urged progress toward a broader political solution to the conflict.

Abdelatty called on Japan to play a larger diplomatic role in the Middle East, praising Tokyo as a neutral and trusted partner capable of supporting dialogue and regional de-escalation.

During his visit, the minister held meetings with senior Japanese officials, business leaders and development agencies to strengthen economic, educational and strategic cooperation between the two countries.

During a telephone conversation, Motegi stressed the importance of preserving the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran and concluding an agreement swiftly, according to Japan’s Foreign Ministry. He also reiterated Japan’s support for ongoing U.S.-Iran dialogue and said Tokyo would continue coordinating with Qatar and the broader international community.

The talks came at a sensitive moment in regional diplomacy following reports that the United States and Iran had reached a preliminary understanding on extending a ceasefire and launching negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, pending final approval from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry said Motegi described the discussion with Sheikh Mohammed as timely given the critical stage of U.S.-Iran relations and praised Qatar’s mediation role in regional diplomacy.

Both ministers emphasized the strategic importance of ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital energy shipping lanes. Concerns over maritime security in the Gulf have intensified in recent weeks amid military tensions involving Iran and the United States.

Motegi also underscored the long-standing energy partnership between Japan and Qatar, requesting continued cooperation to maintain stable energy supplies for Japan, which remains heavily dependent on imported liquefied natural gas and crude oil from the Middle East.
The Japanese minister additionally conveyed condolences over the death of former Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, crediting him with playing a major role in developing Qatar’s liquefied natural gas industry and strengthening bilateral ties.

Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to diplomacy and dialogue as the preferred means of resolving regional disputes, according to statements released after the call. He said Doha would continue working with Tokyo to ease tensions and contribute to stability around the Strait of Hormuz.

The Qatari prime minister also expressed support for expanding bilateral cooperation with Japan, particularly in the energy sector, as both countries pledged continued coordination aimed at promoting long-term peace and stability in the Middle East.

Bank of Japan data released Friday showed the corporate goods price index (CGPI), which measures prices companies charge each other for goods and services, rose 4.9% in April from a year earlier, sharply exceeding market forecasts for a 3.0% increase.
The annual increase was the fastest since May 2023 and accelerated significantly from March’s 2.9% rise.

The figures underscored the growing impact of higher import costs on Japan’s economy following disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran conflict. Japan remains heavily dependent on imported energy, particularly crude oil from the Middle East.

The yen-denominated import price index jumped 17.5% in April from a year earlier, marking the steepest increase since December 2022 and reflecting both elevated global energy prices and the weaker yen’s effect on import costs.

On a monthly basis, wholesale prices rose 2.3% in April after increasing 1.0% in March, the data showed.
Petroleum and coal product prices climbed 5.3% from a year earlier as crude oil and jet fuel costs rose, while chemical goods prices surged 9.2%, the strongest increase since September 2022. Naphtha prices soared 79.4%, according to the report.

The data came a day after a Bank of Japan policymaker called for raising interest rates “at the earliest stage possible” to contain inflationary pressures stemming from higher fuel costs and supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.

Economists said the breadth of price increases would be closely monitored by policymakers assessing whether inflation pressures are becoming more entrenched across the broader economy.

“If price rises are contained to oil-related goods, there is little need for the BOJ to respond,” said Masato Koike, senior economist at Sompo Institute Plus.
“But if they broaden to a wide range of goods, the BOJ will likely have to raise rates,” he said.

The inflation surge adds to pressure on the central bank as it seeks to normalize monetary policy after years of ultra-low interest rates and stimulus measures aimed at reviving growth and inflation.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan Yurii Lutovinov told Reuters the policy change by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was “a very big step forward,” even though Japan still restricts exports to active conflict zones.

“This allows us to talk,” Lutovinov said, adding that any future transfer would require a defense technology agreement between the two countries.Kyiv is also seeking Japanese investment for domestic air-defense systems to reduce dependence on U.S.-made Patriot missiles and is discussing Tokyo’s possible participation in NATO’s arms-funding mechanism for Ukraine.

Japan has linked Ukraine’s security to its own concerns over China’s growing military power and tensions around Taiwan, with Tokyo viewing the war as part of a broader global security challenge.

Wong said the meetings were aimed at strengthening coordination with key regional partners as instability linked to the Iran conflict affects international energy supplies and shipping routes.

In Tokyo, Wong is scheduled to meet Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi for discussions on fuel security, regional stability and the Middle East conflict.

In Beijing, she will hold the eighth Australia-China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, describing the talks as an opportunity to advance shared interests while managing strategic differences between Canberra and Beijing.

In Seoul, Wong will meet South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, noting that South Korea remains one of Australia’s most important suppliers of refined fuels.Australia imports the majority of its fuel requirements and has faced localized shortages since the Middle East conflict began in February, exposing vulnerabilities in supply chains and raising concerns over long-term energy resilience.

“These meetings will help ensure we are coordinating effectively,” Wong said in a statement, pointing to volatility in oil and gas markets caused by the conflict and disruptions to major shipping corridors.

The diplomatic push reflects Canberra’s effort to secure stable energy flows while balancing strategic relations across Asia, particularly with China, its largest trading partner, and close security partners Japan and South Korea.

Energy security has become a growing concern for Australia as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional instability continue to affect fuel prices and shipping reliability across the Indo-Pacific.

The visit also comes as Australia seeks to strengthen regional cooperation on both economic security and broader geopolitical challenges linked to the Middle East war.

An individual claiming to be an active-duty officer of the Japan Self-Defense Forces scaled a wall and entered the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo earlier in the day, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing.

Lin said the individual admitted the act was illegal and threatened to kill Chinese diplomatic personnel “in the name of God,” prompting what Beijing described as shock and concern over the safety of its staff.

China called on Japan to conduct a thorough investigation, hold those responsible accountable and ensure the security of Chinese embassies and consulates.

JJapan’s defence ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the incident or the alleged affiliation of the individual involved.

The incident comes against a backdrop of deteriorating relations between China and Japan. Tensions have risen since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt a military response from Tokyo.

Japan is also expected to downgrade its description of bilateral ties in an upcoming diplomatic report, citing a series of confrontations over the past year, while Beijing has reiterated calls for Tokyo to withdraw what it views as provocative remarks.

The meeting, held at the Jeddah governorate’s headquarters, reflected the growing partnership between the two nations across various fields, including culture, trade, technology, and sustainable urban development.

Both sides exchanged cordial conversations and discussed areas of mutual interest, reaffirming their shared vision for stronger collaboration and long-term friendship.

The discussion was attended by Japanese Consul General in Jeddah Daisuke Yamamoto and members of Governor Koike’s delegation.

The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people connections and the role of cities as gateways for international cooperation.

The dialogue highlighted how Jeddah, as one of Saudi Arabia’s leading coastal cities, and Tokyo, one of the world’s most dynamic metropolises, share a mutual interest in innovation, smart city development, and sustainable growth.

Governor Koike’s visit to Saudi Arabia formed part of her wider regional tour across the Middle East, showcasing Japan’s dedication to fostering partnerships with Arab countries.

Earlier in the week, she attended the Future Investment Initiative 2025 in Riyadh, where she shared insights on Tokyo’s ambition to become a global financial and creative hub.

During the conference, she joined a panel discussion alongside the renowned creator of “Captain Tsubasa,” Yoichi Takahashi, emphasizing how Japan’s creative industries, particularly manga and anime, can serve as powerful tools for global cultural exchange and tourism development.

Her visit to Jeddah came as both nations continue to explore new opportunities for collaboration in creative industries, renewable energy, education, and tourism.

The meeting also symbolized the strong diplomatic friendship that has long connected Japan and Saudi Arabia, built upon mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to economic progress and innovation.

The discussions reflected optimism about the potential for joint ventures, knowledge exchange, and cultural initiatives that will contribute to the prosperity of both societies.

The meeting between the Tokyo and Jeddah governors highlighted the growing synergy between Japan’s technological expertise and Saudi Arabia’s transformative Vision 2030 agenda.

With Jeddah emerging as a center for tourism and urban modernization, and Tokyo serving as a model for innovation and smart infrastructure, both sides expressed interest in exchanging ideas and strategies to develop sustainable and resilient cities.

They discussed enhancing cooperation in areas such as renewable energy solutions, digital transformation, and cultural heritage preservation.

Governor Koike praised Saudi Arabia’s ongoing development projects, noting the remarkable progress in urban planning, green initiatives, and efforts to create a diversified economy.

She expressed admiration for Jeddah’s vibrant culture and its role as a historical gateway to the Kingdom. In return, Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi commended Japan’s leadership in technology, education, and cultural innovation, acknowledging the importance of collaboration in achieving shared development goals.

The meeting also emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in building bridges between nations.

Through initiatives such as cultural festivals, student exchange programs, and creative partnerships, Japan and Saudi Arabia aim to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen global cooperation.

Koike’s visit to the region, which included stops in the UAE, Kuwait, and Egypt, demonstrates Japan’s growing engagement with the Middle East and its commitment to long-term collaboration built on trust and respect.

As the meeting concluded, both leaders expressed optimism about the future of Tokyo-Jeddah relations, envisioning a partnership that promotes innovation, creativity, and sustainable growth.

The dialogue reinforced the shared belief that collaboration between cities can serve as a foundation for stronger global relations and mutual prosperity.