Saudi Vision 2030 ‘unprecedented reform’ to reduce oil dependency, says Japanese PM

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday praised Saudi Arabia's efforts to reduce its dependence on oil and promised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Japan will help the kingdom with a sweeping reform plan.

"Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' is an unprecedented major reform aimed at shifting away from dependence on oil and at diversifying industry, under your majesty's initiative," Abe told the Crown Prince at the beginning of a bilateral meeting after a summit of Group of 20 leaders in the city of Osaka.

"Japan will continue its utmost efforts by government and the private sector to help achieve its success," Abe said.

"Saudi wants to do the utmost to continue our old - but new - strong partnership with Japan," the Crown Prince told Abe through an interpreter.

Earlier, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Osaka on Thursday ahead of G20 summit, following a two-day visit to South Korea, Argaam reported.