Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japanese foreign minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu and his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry agreed in a telephone talk today to work on measures to help mend fences between Israel and Palestine.

Motegi commended Egypt for playing a leading role in realizing the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian military forces, as well as for making vigorous efforts to sustain the agreement.

They both stressed on the importance of working on confidence-building between Israel and Palestine and agreed to continue their close cooperation, as well as to enhance bilateral relations between Japan and Egypt.

Motegi stated his determination to stay active in the peace efforts and to help address the urgent need for assistance in the Gaza Strip beyond the $10 million decided on last week.

Motegi reaffirmed Japan’s support for a two-state solution regarding the Middle East Peace Process, and expressed his commitment to making continuous efforts toward confidence-building among the concerned parties through Japan’s own initiatives such as the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity”.

In response, Minister Shoukry praised Japan’s emergency assistance for Gaza and its commitment to the Middle East Peace Process.