Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa reiterated Japan’s support for a two-state solution during the Middle East Peace process, and asked Israel to actively engage with the Palestinian side to achieve that goal.

In a telephone talk with his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid on Friday, Hayashi noted that Japan’s engagement included the “Economy for Security” plan for the Gaza Strip, and will pay close attention to the progress of the plan.

Hayashi also expressed his hope that confidence-building measures respectively taken by the Israeli and Palestinian sides would lead to an easing of tensions and stability in the region.

Hayashi requested understanding and cooperation from Israel for Japan’s assistance projects toward Palestine, such as the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative.

Minister Lapid, in response, said he valued Japan’s assistance and expressed his willingness to continue cooperation, according to the ministry.

The two ministers agreed to cooperate toward further development of the bilateral relations between the two countries, leading up to the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, foreign ministry in Tokyo said.