Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko met with her Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian in Geneva on Wednesday and called on Iran to urge the Houthis in Yemen to release the Japanese ship they have detained, as well as its crew members.

Minister Kamikawa stated that any action by the Houthis that impede the free and safe navigation of vessels is unacceptable and unequivocally condemned the seizure of the Japanese-operated vessel.

She urged the Houthis to refrain from taking such action going forward and called on Iran to urge restraint on the relevant forces with which it has influence.

In response, Minister Amir Abdollahian explained Iran’s stance on the situation.

Regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip, Kamikawa stated that Japan is deeply concerned that fighting has resumed and has been expanding throughout the Gaza Strip, including in the south.

She said that Japan will continue to make strong diplomatic efforts to enable the Security Council to fulfil its role, adding that Japan is seriously concerned about the situation spreading in the region.

The two ministers said they would continue communication to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and to reduce tensions there as soon as possible.

Kamikawa expressed her respect for the many Afghan refugees that Iran has taken in over the years and conveyed Japan’s newly decided assistance for Afghan refugees in Iran.

Foreign Minister Abdollahian expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support.

The two ministers also exchanged views on the bilateral relationship between Japan and Iran, the situation in Ukraine and Iran’s nuclear issue.