Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko told Arab News Japan on Tuesday that Japan is basing its Middle East foreign policy on three main principles.

“In Cairo last month, we had the third Japan-Arab Political Dialogue, and as a policy for cooperation with the Middle Eastern region, first of all we said that we would enhance economic relations between us in the long term and in a diverse manner; second, that there should be peace consultations; and third, to maintain and enhance a free and open international order based on the rule of law.”

“These three pillars have been established and I would like to succeed with these three pillars. And on a broad scale, I would like to promote cooperation between Japan and this region.”

Ahead of a lunch meeting with Arab ambassadors in Tokyo, Kamikawa emphasized the “potential” of the region and stated that she wants to promote dialogue to help resolve the various political issues that impact economic, security and social matters both in the region and in its relation to Japan.  

“Japan depends for 90 percent of its crude oil imports on the Middle East, and the peace and security of the Middle East is extremely important for Japan’s energy security,” she said. “Now, in Syria and Yemen there are severe human rights conditions and there are also tensions between Israel and Palestine. And there is the issue of nuclear program in Iran. So, there are ongoing concerns there.”

On the situation between Israel and Palestine, Kamikawa said Japan was paying close attention to the issue: “It is important that both parties refrain from taking unilateral action. In order that the two states can co-exist peacefully and safely, Japan supports the two-state solution, and through the unique initiative of the peace and prosperity corridor initiative, we would like to contribute to confidence-building among the stakeholders.”