Tokyo: Japan and Oman have reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination following a phone call between their foreign ministers, Japan's Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Japan's Toshimitsu Motegi and Oman's Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Middle East and confirmed continued cooperation between their countries. The ministry shared this information in a brief statement on US social media platform X.

Motegi mentioned that the recent phone call was a follow-up to a previous discussion held last month, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two nations. He emphasized that both sides would maintain close communication to help ease regional tensions, with a particular focus on ensuring the safety of navigation in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. This area is a key global energy transit route, crucial for international trade.

In a related development, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also discussed the latest developments after a ceasefire with the US in a phone conversation. This dialogue underscores the intricate dynamics in the region, affecting global peace and security.

Japan's reliance on the Middle East for its energy needs is substantial, as it imports nearly all of its crude oil, with over 90% of these imports originating from the region. This dependency makes Japan particularly vulnerable to disruptions in Gulf energy shipments, further emphasizing the importance of stability in the Middle East for Japan's energy security.