Khaldon Azhari, Tokyo

 Japan's foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi confirmed on Friday Japan's support of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for the Middle East. He also urged Palestinians and Israelis to "work hard for peace."

 Motegi told a press conference, held at the foreign ministry, that "there is a big role to be played  by the United States."

"President Trump himself is deeply involved in this issue and his initiative is highly appreciated," he said.

 The foreign minister expressed Japan’s basic stance of supporting the two states solution. He said he hoped "Israel and Palestine will start direct negotiations so that a fair enduring and comprehensive peace will be made."

Motegi pledged Japan will continue to urge Israel and Palestine to work hard for peace, and through the process of creating the corridor for peace and prosperity and also CEAPAD conference of cooperation of south Asian countries for Palestinian development.