Arab News Japan 

TOKYO: Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu on Tuesday said Japan welcomes the initiative proposed by Saudi Arabia for a nationwide ceasefire in Yemen, and stressed that Tokyo will support it.

“We ask the Houthis to make an immediate ceasefire and start a dialogue as soon as possible for a political solution,” Motegi said at a press conference in Tokyo.

The government of Japan will continue to support the effort of Martin Griffiths 

Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen to end the conflict of Yemen, the foreign minister said.

Motegi said he visited Saudi Arabia earlier this year and also had a telephone talks with the Foreign Minister of Iran.

“Using these opportunities, I have been appealing to the countries to stop the fighting and realize peace in Yemen,” Motegi said. “The position of Japan is we are really concerned the conflict has been continuing for such a long time.”

Japan has condemned the Houthi cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia and called for immediate halt of such attacks.