G7
G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (Overview of the “Middle East” session)
On November 25, commencing at 1:30 p.m. (9:30 p.m. on the same day, Japan time) for approximately 60 minutes, and also at 5:00 p.m. (1:00 a.m. on November 26, Japan time) for approximately 120 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Fiuggi, Italy, to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, participated in the G7 and G7+Outreach sessions on the “Middle East,” respectively. The overview is as follows (the G7-only session was participated by the Foreign Ministers of the G7 countries and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, while the G7+Outreach session was participated by the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, as well as the Secretary General of the Arab League.).
- During this session, a candid discussion was held on topics including the recognition of the situation in the Middle East, diplomatic efforts by G7 members, coordination with Arab countries, and the situation in Sudan.
- Minister Iwaya empathized the need for diplomatic efforts to restore stability of the situation in the Middle East and expressed the importance of continuing to urge all parties concerned in this regard.
- Minister Iwaya also expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, and empathized the importance of cooperation among the G7 and Arab countries to improve the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
- Minister Iwaya explained about Japanese assistance for capacity building of the Palestinian Authority, as well as for enabling the provision of administrative services in the Gaza Strip, as examples of assistance that would become necessary in considering “the day after” in Gaza. He also mentioned the expansion of assistance as well as the diversification of its means, referring to Conference on cooperation among East Asian countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD), a framework for assistance to Palestine launched by Japan in cooperation with East Asian countries.
- Minister Iwaya explained Japan's support and diplomatic efforts to improve the humanitarian situation and expressed the importance of coordination with countries in the region.
- The G7 concurred to continue to respond to the situation in the Middle East in cooperation with the international community, including the Arab countries.