Muscat – Oman and Japan are seeking to take a relationship long anchored in oil and LNG into clean energy, technology, infrastructure and investment, as the two countries prepare to mark 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.

H E Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and his Japanese counterpart Motegi Toshimitsu outlined the broader ambitions during talks in Muscat on Thursday, covering hydrogen, ammonia, green manufacturing, transport, tourism, maritime security, food security, education and advanced technology.

Motegi described Oman and Japan as “comprehensive partners” whose cooperation had expanded well beyond conventional energy. But energy remains at the heart of the relationship.

Motegi thanked Oman for its longstanding and stable supplies of crude oil and LNG at a time when Japan is confronting severe disruption to Middle Eastern energy flows. Japan depends on the region for more than 90% of its crude imports.

The two ministers agreed to deepen cooperation in clean energy, including hydrogen and ammonia, while Japan also signalled interest in Omani desalination projects and environmentally friendly steel production.

H E Sayyid Badr welcomed growing participation by Japanese companies, particularly in energy, renewables, low-carbon technologies, logistics and infrastructure.

He said the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations – established in 1972 – offered an opportunity to set “an even more ambitious course” for the partnership. 

The shift is already taking shape. In April, Oman and Japan signed an agreement establishing a Joint Crediting Mechanism, allowing the two countries to cooperate on emissions-reduction projects and carbon credits as part of their decarbonisation efforts.

Defence cooperation is another strand. The two sides agreed to pursue cooperation under their defence memorandum, including support for Japanese Self-Defence Forces vessels engaged in counter-piracy operations. They also discussed scholarships and increasing tourist flows.

H E Sayyid Badr also called for progress on negotiations for a Japan-GCC free trade agreement, saying a deal could boost bilateral commerce, investment and supply-chain security.

Japan’s interest in Oman has assumed additional strategic importance during the current regional crisis. 

Motegi praised Muscat’s mediation between Washington and Tehran and thanked Oman for helping evacuate Japanese nationals from the Middle East.