Osaka: The Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is commemorating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Japan, marking a historic milestone in bilateral cooperation.
Saudi Arabia and Japan officially established diplomatic ties on June 7, 1955. Over the past seven decades, the relationship has evolved into a robust partnership spanning culture, diplomacy, and economics. In February 2025, the two nations signed a memorandum to create a Strategic Partnership Council, further strengthening their collaboration.
Saudi Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, emphasized the depth and growth of the partnership.
“The relations go beyond a mere economic partnership to reflect the depth and diversity of our ties,” he said. “Today, we build on the strength of the past and harness the momentum of the present to jointly shape a new vision for the future.”
He added that with Expo 2025 underway in Osaka and Saudi Arabia preparing to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh, both countries are positioned to lead in global innovation, sustainability, and cultural dialogue.
The Saudi Pavilion is actively promoting economic cooperation through hundreds of business events, including sessions organized by the Saudi Ministries of Investment and Commerce. These events showcase opportunities under Saudi Vision 2030 and aim to strengthen trade and investment relations with Japan.
Trade between the two nations has seen substantial growth, increasing from $33.4 billion to over $41 billion in the past decade. The Pavilion also targets an annual increase in Japanese tourists to Saudi Arabia, aiming for 30,000 visitors by Expo 2030 Riyadh.
This initiative aligns with the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030, a joint strategy comprising over 80 projects across nine sectors, including culture, healthcare, energy, education, and entertainment.
Cultural ties are also thriving, with Saudi Arabia supporting the spread of Japanese culture in the Middle East. In August, local Saudi manga studios will exhibit their work at the Pavilion as part of the ongoing cultural exchange.
Since its opening in April, the Saudi Pavilion has hosted more than 700 events, attracting over 500,000 visitors. On September 23, it will hold special celebrations to mark Saudi National Day.
