Khaldon Azhari

TOKYO: Japan’s Foreign Minister TOSHIMITSU Motegi pledged further support for Syria on Friday and commented on the history of its capital, Damascus, noting how it was once the hub of civilization in the Middle East.

Since 2012, Japan has pledged more than $2.9 billion in assistance for Syria and the countries surrounding it.

“This time, we have decided to provide additional support of about $200 million,” Motegi said. “Japan hopes to improve the humanitarian situation in Syria through such assistance and we will work closely with the international community to resolve the Syrian crisis and provide more humanitarian assistance.”

Regarding the Japanese Embassy in Syria, Motegi noted that it is closed temporarily “mainly due to the deterioration of the local security situation.”

He added: “We would like to resume operations of the embassy in Damascus depending on the security situation, but we have no firm plans on this at the current time.”

However, Motegi was keen to remind his audience of the importance and significance of Damascus.

“If we look back, Damascus was the historical center of the Middle East,” he said in answer to a question from Arab News Japan. “For example, during the era of the third crusade, Islamic forces were centered in Damascus and capable of responding to challenges. Damascus has remained a key center in the region.”

“However, Damascus and Syria are now facing a difficult situation as the crisis there has been going on for 10 years and the humanitarian situation in Syria has not improved. In addition, there is lack of progress in the political situation. We are concerned that the current situation is stagnant and the movement towards a resolution is not progressing.”