TOKYO: TSUJI Kiyoto, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, paid a courtesy call to Mahmoud Abbas, President of Palestine, during his visit to the West Bank on Feb. 28.

State Minister TSUJI first extended his gratitude to President Abbas for his letter of sympathy and condolences to Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio on the Noto Peninsula earthquake and the Haneda Airport collision. He also expressed his deepest sympathy for the civilian casualties and hardships in the Gaza Strip.

According to the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo, Tsuji expressed his concern about the increasing violence by settlers and others in the West Bank, according to the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo.

He also stated that Japan has been resolute in making diplomatic efforts toward defusing the situation as well as providing humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip. He continued by saying that sufficient humanitarian assistance activities could only be successful in a conducive environment.

President Abbas expressed his appreciation for Japan’s long-standing assistance to Palestine including the recently announced additional humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip and stated that he hopes Japan will continue to play its role.

On Middle East Peace, State Minister TSUJI stated that Japan’s consistent support for a two-state solution will remain unchanged, stressing the necessity for concerted effort to achieve it. For his part, Abbas explained the situation surrounding Palestine-Israeli relations, and added that he highly valued Japan’s commitment to the Middle East Peace.

Both sides agreed on continuing close cooperation to promote stability in the region, according to the ministry.