TOKYO: Japan and Oman agreed on closely cooperating to ensure the safety of civilians in the Gaza Strip who have been under bombardment by the Israeli occupation forces and stressed the importance of reaching a humanitarian truce that would contribute to bringing lasting peace and stability to the Middle East region.

The agreement was made during telephone talks between Japanese Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko and her Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, on Saturday, the foreign ministry in Tokyo said. 

Kamikawa reiterated that Japan has been calling on all the parties in the conflict in Gaza to act following international law and to reduce tensions. She said Japan’s position to support a two-state solution for Palestine remains unchanged.

The Japanese minister added that Japan will provide $65 million in additional aid – it has already promised $10 million – given the very severe humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, which is a high-priority issue.

Omani Minister Badr explained the position of his country and stated that he shares great concern about the humanitarian situation on the ground and highly appreciates Japan’s diplomatic efforts, including the provision of humanitarian aid.

Kamikawa also expressed her concern about the attacks by the Houthis in Yemen, according to the statement of the foreign ministry that didn’t elaborate. 

According to the Omani Foreign Ministry, the two Ministers also expressed their support for furthering trade, economic and tourism between Oman and Japan and encouraging ways to expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields.