Arab News Japan

Japan’s Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Cairo on Tuesday to express their willingness to strengthen their cooperation in fields such as political, security, economy and development assistance.

The Japan-Egypt relationship was elevated to a “Strategic Partnership” during Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio’s visit to Egypt in April.

The two ministers concurred on working together as co-chairs at the third Japan-Arab Political Dialogue held on the same day. They also welcomed the progress of cooperation under the framework of the Japan-Egypt-Jordan trilateral consultations.

According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hayashi welcomed positive developments in the bilateral economic relations and stated his willingness to further deepen cooperation in the economic assistance including the Grand Egyptian Museum and a feasibility study to provide a vessel ensuring safety of navigation in the Suez Canal.

In response, Shoukry expressed his gratitude for Japan’s assistance for the development of Egypt to date and his expectation for more Japanese companies to operate in Egypt and stated that he would like to strengthen the cooperation in various areas such as environment, energy and human resources development.

Hayashi pointed out that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its decision to terminate its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) have been seriously affecting the entire international community.

The two ministers agreed to continue close communication in order to ensure global food security.

Regarding the release of ALPS-treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, Hayashi explained Japan’s position to his Egyptian counterpart, by referring to the IAEA’s assessment in its Comprehensive Report. Shoukry expressed his understanding on Japan’s position and his trust in its action.

The two ministers also exchanged their views on regional issues such as the Middle East peace and the situation in Sudan, in addition to international issues including nuclear disarmament. They concurred on maintaining cooperation towards stability in the region.

The Japanese minister also met with his Tunisian and Moroccan counterparts, gaining their understanding of the Fukushima water release.