TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Saudi Arabian State Minister for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir agreed on Monday to cooperate in ensuring the safe navigation of ships in the Middle East.

At a meeting in Tokyo, Motegi told Jubeir that the Japanese government is considering dispatching the Maritime Self-Defense Force to the region to secure navigation safety and collect information.

The two also confirmed close cooperation in restoring regional stability, apparently referring to tensions between the United States and Iran.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi earlier welcomed Adel Al-Jubeir at Foreign Ministry in Tokyo, adding that it was an honor meeting him for the first time.

“Japan considers the Middle East region of great importance and that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a leader in the Arab and Islamic world and of significant importance and a partner and look forward to working with Your Excellency in enhancing this bilateral relationship at the highest of levels,” he said.

Al Jubair said he was delighted to be on this visit to Japan, which Saudi Arabia considers a historically strategic partner. “Our relationship is a strong one which enjoys stability in the fields of energy, trade, investment as well as sharing a unified political perspective,” he said.

The meeting between the two ministers, which was announced by the ministry only on Monday, took place at 4 pm Tokyo time and last for 25 minutes.

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Japan, Naif Al-Fahadi, also attended the meeting.