Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko, who is visiting Thailand, held on October 12 telephone talks with Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Qatari Foreign Ministry to discuss the situation surrounding Palestine and Israel.

According to the Japanese foreign ministry, Minister Khulaifi shared grave concerns about the situation on the ground and explained Qatar’s diplomatic efforts in the wake of the attack.

Minister Kamikawa stressed that she is paying close attention to the Gaza Strip, Palestine, with great concern. She unequivocally condemned the recent “terror attacks” by Hamas and other Palestinian militants, especially the attacks on and kidnapping of innocent civilians, which cannot be justified for any reason.

Kamikawa also said she is deeply saddened by the loss of lives of so many innocent civilians and that it is important for the numerous civilians being held hostage to be released as soon as possible.

In addition, Minister Kamikawa expressed appreciation towards Qatar’s diplomatic efforts and stated that Japan has been communicating with the parties concerned to calm down the situation and that Japan would like to continue working on this matter in cooperation with the State of Qatar.

The ministry said the telephone talks lasted 15 minutes.