Riyadh, January 14, 2025 – In a significant meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan in the realm of sports, Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Baeshen, the Chief Executive and Secretary-General of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), welcomed Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Matsumoto Hisashi, to the SOPC headquarters in Riyadh on Monday.
The key focus of the meeting was to discuss the ongoing preparations for Japan's role as the host nation for two major international sporting events: the 20th Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games, both of which will be held in Nagoya city in 2026. The officials engaged in constructive talks regarding the logistical aspects of the upcoming Games and explored strategies to ensure the smooth participation of the Saudi sports delegation, which is expected to compete in a wide range of events across both Games.
The collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Japan in the sports sector has seen marked growth, especially following the signing of a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics in August. This agreement serves as a foundation for deeper cooperation between the two nations, facilitating knowledge exchange, joint initiatives, and enhanced support for athletes, coaches, and officials in both countries.
During the meeting, both Baeshen and Hisashi expressed optimism about the upcoming Games, emphasizing the importance of fostering strong international partnerships in the field of sports, which not only benefit athletes but also contribute to the broader diplomatic and cultural ties between nations. They also discussed potential areas of collaboration beyond the 2026 Games, with a focus on long-term sports development and enhanced cooperation at both the Olympic and Paralympic levels.
The discussions further underscored the growing importance of Saudi-Japanese collaboration within the global sports arena. As both nations continue to invest in sports infrastructure and athlete development, their partnership is poised to create lasting impact, setting the stage for successful participation and a shared commitment to promoting the values of excellence, inclusion, and global unity through sport.
