Arab News Japan 

TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitu will visit the Middle East from Sunday August 15 through August 24 and he will visit Egypt, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Iran and Qatar.

“The peace and stability of the Middle East region is extremely important for the international community, including Japan,” Motegi said at a press conference on Tuesday. “I will once again underscore Japan’s commitment to the Middle East through our long years of contributions to the peace and prosperity of the region and by forging robust relations.” 

Motegi said he will reiterate the importance of a law-based, free and open international order. “With COVID-19 spreading across the world, the Middle East is also seeing a surge and this is having a significant impact,” Motegi stated. “So, I intend to confirm our cooperation, which includes measures against COVID-19, what Japan has done so far in terms of support and what can be done going forward.”

“I will listen carefully to any requests. In the Middle East region, a high level of tension continues, but in Iran and Israel new administrations have been put in place and there are inter-regional dialogues and fresh movements within the region.Therefore, I look forward to engaging in a frank exchange of opinions concerning regional affairs and the promotion of close collaboration leading to regional stability.”

Asked about Japan’s approach toward Iran, the Japanese foreign minister said his government has consistently supported Iran’s nuclear deal. “We are going to urge Iran to return to negotiations for the nuclear deal,” Motegi said. “Even indirectly, it is extremely important for Iran and the United States to engage indialogue. Iran is a regional power, and I think stability in Iran will lead to stability in the region as a whole. The same is true for maritime transportation.”

“I want Iran to contribute as a great power to regional stabilization, and I would like to say that regional stabilization will also lead to Iran’s development.”

Motegi said the inauguration of the new government of President Ebrahim Raisi and the foreign minister presents a good opportunity to make progress on policies.