Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi praised the plans of Arab countries to help rebuild Gaza during a phone conversation with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty on Tuesday.

Abdelatty explained the Gaza reconstruction plan led by Egypt to Iwaya, who expressed his appreciation for the “important move by the Arab countries in presenting a unified plan to the international community.” He said Japan would deepen discussions on future cooperation.

Iwaya said it was regrettable that the Israeli military operation had resumed throughout Gaza and that this had resulted in many casualties, including civilians.

He said Japan had been “strongly urging all parties concerned to return to negotiations and work in good faith towards the continuation of the ceasefire agreement.”

Iwaya said he appreciated the “tireless diplomatic efforts by the mediating countries,” including Egypt, and that he would continue to support such efforts.

The two ministers agreed to continue to work together to “restore calm, improve the humanitarian situation and realize peace and stability in the region.”