Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and global developments during a phone call on Wednesday.

Takaichi said the conversation focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between Japan and Türkiye and expanding cooperation in areas including education, security and the economy.

“Today, at 5:30 p.m., I held a phone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who plays an important role in the Middle East region,” Takaichi said in a statement posted on X.

The Japanese prime minister said she first expressed her gratitude to Erdoğan for conveying his condolences over the Kumamoto earthquake.

Takaichi said she expressed her desire to further strengthen the “strategic partnership” between Japan and Türkiye, including through cooperation in education, security and economic affairs.

She highlighted the planned opening this autumn of the Türkiye-Japan Institute of Technology as part of efforts to deepen bilateral ties.

“Regarding the strengthening of the ‘strategic partnership’ between Japan and Türkiye, I stated my desire to further develop cooperation in areas such as education, security, and the economy,” Takaichi said.

She added that the two leaders agreed on the importance of expanding cooperation across a broad range of fields.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in Iran and developments affecting regional security.

Takaichi said she expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts and its role as a mediator in regional issues.

“Regarding the situation in Iran, I stated that I highly appreciate Türkiye’s dedicated efforts in playing a mediating role, and that Japan, too, will work closely with Türkiye and the international community to persistently make every possible diplomatic effort,” she said.

Takaichi also stressed the importance of maintaining free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without imposing additional costs.

She said Erdoğan agreed with Japan’s position on the strategic waterway.

“From President Erdoğan, there was a statement that our views on the Strait of Hormuz are in complete agreement,” Takaichi said.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping route and a major transit corridor for energy supplies, making its security a key concern for countries far beyond the Middle East.

Takaichi said Japan and Türkiye would continue coordinating closely on both bilateral relations and regional and international issues.

“Taking into account today’s exchange of views as well, we will continue to closely collaborate with Türkiye not only on bilateral relations but also on regional and international affairs,” she said.

The phone call underscored the two countries’ efforts to broaden their strategic partnership while coordinating their positions on regional security and diplomatic efforts surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. (ILKHA)