Japanese PM to visit Middle East in July

Japanese government sources say Prime Minister Fumio Kishida plans to visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar in mid-July, Report informs via NHK.

Kishida is expected to call for efforts to stabilize international oil markets in light of turbulence widely attributed to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and other factors.

The prime minister will also likely offer Japan's support to help oil-producing nations transition to renewable energy.

Japan and the United Arab Emirates signed an agreement last month on the transfer of defense equipment and technology.

Kishida aims to confirm that the two countries will enhance security cooperation.

Saudi Arabia is a member of the G20. Kishida plans to exchange views with the country's leader ahead of the group's summit in September.