TOKYO - Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday voiced their opposition to the collection of transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, affirming their close collaboration amid stalled U.S.-Iranian negotiations.
Speaking to reporters after their phone talks, Takaichi emphasized the importance of "ensuring free and safe navigation" through the strait "without any additional costs," to which Erdogan said in response that his views on the key energy transportation artery are "entirely consistent" with hers.
Takaichi also told Erdogan that Japan "greatly appreciates" Turkey's efforts in mediating the Middle East war, which was launched in late February. They agreed to promote bilateral cooperation in a wide range of fields such as security, economy and education, she added.
Traffic through the strait remains heavily restricted as the United States and Iran continue to be locked in a standoff over control and transit fees. Tehran is reportedly seeking to impose tolls on vessels and demand permission for their passage -- a proposal that Washington has rejected.
The blockade of the strait has disrupted energy supplies, fueling supply concerns and sending prices surging in a blow to resource-poor Japan, a close U.S. ally which has traditionally maintained friendly relations with Iran and relies greatly on Middle Eastern crude oil.
In a related move later Wednesday, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud agreed at a meeting in Riyadh to work together to secure free and safe navigation through the strait.
They also confirmed their cooperation in ensuring stable energy supplies to international markets, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry. Saudi Arabia is one of Japan's main crude oil suppliers.
