Arab News Japan

Japan Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi held a telephone call on Wednesday with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty.

At the outset, Iwaya introduced himself and Minister Abdelatty congratulated the new Foreign Minister on his assumption of office.

The Japanese minister said that Japan is paying close attention to the “tense situation in the Middle East with great interest and concern” and expressed his serious concern that the deterioration of the situation, including the recent attack by Iran against Israel, could potentially expand into a full-fledged war in the Middle East, and stated his strong condemnation of such escalation.

Regarding the situation in Lebanon, Minister Iwaya condemned the threat against the safety of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic effort.

With regard to the Gaza situation, Iwaya expressed Japan’s support for diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United States.

In response, Abdelatty stated that he shared Minister Iwaya’s view over the current situation, then explained that the latest regional situation as well as Egypt’s diplomatic efforts.

Minister Abdelatty also stated that it is important to cooperate with Japan as a strategic partner, and highly appreciated Japan’s assistance to Palestine and the region.

The two ministers affirmed the importance of continuing to urge to all parties, and they confirmed that the two countries will continue to work together in order for the release of the hostages and the ceasefire.