RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadel Al-Ibrahim recently met in Riyadh with members of a delegation from the Japanese House of Representatives. During the meeting, they discussed ways to further develop the historic ties between the two countries and cooperate in areas such as artificial intelligence and smart cities. Japan also depends on the Gulf countries for most of its crude oil and natural gas needs, and relations with Arab countries are crucial for the Japanese economy.