Arab News Japan

DUBAI: Palestinian Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh received a courtesy call from Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs TSUJI Kiyoto on Tuesday.

At the outset, State Minister Tsuji expressed his sympathy for the civilian casualties and hardships in the difficult humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Regarding the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine, Tsuji stated that he is concerned about the increasing violence by settlers and others in the West Bank.

On the situation surrounding the Gaza Strip since the terror attack by Hamas and others occurred last October, he also stated that Japan has been persistently making diplomatic efforts towards calming down the situation as soon as possible, and also has been providing a series of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip.

In response, Prime Minister Shtayyeh expressed his appreciation for Japan’s long-standing assistance for Palestine including the recently announced additional humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip.

State Minister TSUJI stated that Japan’s consistent support for a two-state solution will remain unchanged, stressing the necessity to concert efforts to achieve it. For his part, Shtayyeh explained the situation surrounding Palestine-Israeli relations, and highly valued Japan’s commitment to the Middle East Peace and stated that he hopes Japan will continue to play its role.

Both sides concurred on continuing close cooperation in order for the stability in the region.

The Palestinian PM handed in his resignation on Feb. 26 but was asked by President Mahmoud Abbas to stay on as a caretaker until a permanent replacement is found.