Muscat – Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will arrive in Muscat on Thursday for talks expected to focus on the Iran crisis, safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and energy security.

Motegi, who is visiting Saudi Arabia and Oman from August 17 to 22, said he would hold “frank exchanges of opinions” with the two Gulf states on efforts to resolve regional tensions.

“With Oman, which faces the Strait of Hormuz, I will deepen discussions towards ensuring free and safe navigation, and candidly explain Japan’s position,” he said in a social media post before departing Tokyo.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry said the visit would also seek cooperation for early de-escalation in the Middle East and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el Mandeb.

Motegi said talks in Muscat would cover a broad range of bilateral issues and reaffirm efforts to deepen the comprehensive partnership between Oman and Japan.

Energy security will also feature prominently. Motegi described Oman as an important supplier of crude oil and LNG to Japan and said he would reaffirm cooperation aimed at ensuring stable energy supplies.