Japan-Egypt Relations
Japan-Egypt Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
October 12, 2023
On October 12th, commencing at 6:15 p.m. local time (8:15 p.m. Japan Time) for approximately 20 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Thailand, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, to discuss the situation surrounding Palestine and Israel. The overview is as follows:
- Minister Kamikawa stressed that 1) she is paying close attention to the situation in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, with great concern, 2) she unequivocally condemns the recent terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants, especially the attacks on, and kidnapping of, innocent civilians, which cannot be justified for any reason, and 3) she is deeply saddened by the loss of lives of so many innocent civilians, and that it is important for the numerous civilians being held hostage to be released as soon as possible.
- In addition, Minister Kamikawa expressed appreciation for Egypt’s diplomatic efforts on this matter, and stated that Japan has been communicating with the parties concerned in order to calm down the situation and that Japan would like to continue working on this matter in cooperation with Egypt. Furthermore, Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan would like to ask for support from Egypt in case there are Japanese nationals wanting to depart from Gaza to Egypt.
- Minister Shoukry stated that he shares the grave concern about the situation on the ground, and explained Egypt’s diplomatic efforts in the wake of the attack. He also stated that Egypt is ready to provide support needed by Japanese nationals in case of their departure.
- The two ministers concurred on maintaining close cooperation between the two countries for calming down the situation.