Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu on Wednesday strongly encouraged Israel to continue implementing its efforts towards easing the tension in the region with a view to ensuring the lasting ceasefire.

In a telephone talk with his counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi, Motegi welcomed the ceasefire agreement given the heart-breaking situation that caused a “large number of civilian casualties on both sides,” a statement of the foreign ministry in Tokyo said.

“The Ministers exchanged views on the latest developments surrounding Israel and Palestine, and Minister Motegi also stated his determination to play an active role, including in addressing the urgent need for assistance in the Gaza Strip in a timely manner, the statement said adding that Minister Motegi reaffirmed Japan’s support for a two-state solution regarding the Middle East Peace Process, and expressed his continued commitment to confidence-building measures among the concerned parties through Japan’s own initiatives such as the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative.

Ashkenazi expressed that he is ready to continue exchanging views with the international community, including Japan, towards easing the tension in the region, according to the ministry.

The Ministers confirmed that they would make efforts to further enhance the bilateral relationship between Japan and Israel in a wide range of fields, particularly taking the opportunity of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Israel next year.