Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko said a press conference Japan’s recognition of Palestine as a state will only result as part of a comprehensive peace agreement.

Replying to a question from Arab News Japan, Kamikawa was reluctant to recognize Palestine as a state even when some 148 countries, including some G7 countries, support such a move. Her response was typically “diplomatic.”

“Japan has supported the two-state solution through negotiations between the parties,” she said. “We have understood the Palestinians’ hopes for establishing an independent state and have supported Palestinian efforts toward this end.”

“Japan’s assistance along these lines has been highly appreciated by the Palestinian side, and when I had a telephone conversation with Palestinian Prime Minister/ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Mohammad Mustafa on April 2, the Minister expressed his gratitude.”

Kamikawa said Japan was keen to help reduce tensions “as soon as possible” and improve the humanitarian situation by directly reaching out to both Israel and Palestine through Japan’s unique initiatives, such as the “Corridor of Peace and Prosperity.” She said Japan will work to foster trust between the parties.

“Based on this, we will continue to comprehensively examine Palestinian state recognition in light of how to advance the peace process,” she added.