Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Ambassador UEMURA Tsukasa, Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for Middle East Peace, attended the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York from July 28 to 30 and emphasized Japan’s clear opposition to any action that undermines the realization of a two-state solution, Japan’s Foreign Ministry reported.

“Japan fully acknowledges the aspirations of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state and remains steadfast in supporting their efforts,” Uemura said, speaking in Arabic. “Japan has consistently backed a two-state solution and, during its tenure on the Security Council last year, voted in favor of the resolution supporting Palestine’s application for UN membership.”

Uemura said the people of Gaza are “enduring a grave humanitarian crisis marked by hunger and malnutrition. Humanitarian aid must never be contingent on political or military considerations,” he said. “It is imperative that the UN and humanitarian agencies can operate independently and impartially. In this regard, we reaffirm that UNRWA continues to play an indispensable role in supporting Palestine refugees across the region.”

The participants – ministers and high-level officials from Arab and European countries, as well as representatives from international organizations such as the United Nations – expressed strong support for the two-state solution and underscored the importance of providing assistance to Palestinians facing challenging circumstances.

Uemura expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called on all parties to earnestly work towards the resumption of a ceasefire and the broader peace process without resorting to military solutions. He said Japan would continue a comprehensive assessment of the issue of recognizing Palestinian statehood, including the appropriate timing.

Japan, together with Norway, co-chaired a roundtable session on economic viability, looking at concrete measures to enhance Palestine’s economic prospects as part of efforts toward realizing a two-state solution.

Uemura also held talks with Palestine Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa.