Professor (International Security) at the Graduate School of Public Policy, The University of Tokyo in Japan, Dr Yee-Kuang Heng, outlined Tokyo’s strategic priorities in the Middle East for 2025, highlighting the country’s growing ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with a focus on trade and economic partnerships. He also highlighted Japan’s humanitarian efforts in Gaza and its ongoing commitment to the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Dr Heng discussed Japan’s role in ensuring the smooth handover of the Expo from Osaka to Riyadh, as well as its efforts to secure stable trade and energy supply chains. Finally, he noted Japan’s interest in encouraging restraint in regional conflicts, especially between Israel and Iran.