Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, to Visit the Middle East

April 24, 2003

Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, will visit Israel, the Palestinian Autonomous Areas, Jordan and Syria from April 26 (Sat) to May 5 (Mon).
During her visit, Minister Kawaguchi will have talks with key figures of both in Israel and the Palestinian Autonomous Areas and encourage both sides to resume negotiations aimed at halting violence and achieving peace. The intention is to bring progress on the Middle East peace, the key for peace and stability in the region, at a time when uncertainties over the future are growing after the military operation against Iraq. The Minister will also have talks with leading figures of Jordan and Syria to exchange views on cooperative relations for the stability and development of the Middle East to alleviate anxiety and distress prevailing among the people of the region.
This will be Minister Kawaguchi's first visit to Jordan and Syria, and her first to Israel and the Palestinian Autonomous Areas since June 2002.

(END)