Japan reaffirms support for two-state solution in Middle East
Motegi Toshimitsu, the minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, reaffirmed his country’s support for a two-state solution regarding the Middle East peace process in a telephone talk held on Wednesday with Israel’s minister of Foreign Affairs, Lt. Gen. (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi.
The telephone conversation began at around 7:35 PM and lasted for 30 minutes. Both the countries’ foreign affairs chiefs discussed the latest developments in Israel and Palestine.
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release sharing the overview of the telephone talk.
According to the telephone conversation’s overview, Minister Motegi appreciated the armistice “given the heartbreaking situation that caused a large number of civilian casualties on both sides.”
The foreign affairs minister of Japan also “strongly encouraged the Government of Israel to continue implementing its efforts towards easing the tension in the region with a view to ensuring the lasting ceasefire.”
He also said he was resolved to play an active part, including timely addressing the pressing need for assistance in Gaza.
In addition to reaffirming Japan’s support for a two-state solution, Minister Motegi “expressed his continued commitment to confidence-building measures among the concerned parties through Japan’s own initiatives such as the ‘Corridor for Peace and Prosperity’ initiative.”
Israel’s foreign affairs minister explained his country’s stance and its future efforts. He also “expressed that he is ready to continue exchanging views with the international community, including Japan, towards easing the tension in the region.”
During the telephone conversation, both the ministers confirmed that their countries would attempt to improve the bilateral relations more in a variety of areas, specifically “taking the opportunity of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Israel next year.”
The relations between Israel and Japan began in 1952 with Japan recognizing Israel and Israel opening a legation in Tokyo. Japan opened a legation in Tel Aviv in 1955.
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