Japan-Israel Relations
Japan-Israel Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
August 18, 2021
On August 18, commencing at 7:00 p.m. (local time; on August 19, 1:00 a.m. JST) for 80 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan held a foreign ministers' meeting with H.E. Mr. Yair LAPID, Alternate Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, during his visit to Israel. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Motegi extended his congratulations to Minister Lapid on his inauguration and conveyed his gratitude for the support by Israel for the reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake, referring to the video messages granted by both Ministers on the occasion of the kickoff event of “Tohoku-Israel Startup Global Challenge Program.” In response, Minister Lapid welcomed Minister Motegi’s visit to Israel and expressed congratulations to the successful holding of the Tokyo Olympic Games as well as the success of Japanese athletes at the games.
- The two ministers reaffirmed their determination to further strengthen the relations seizing the opportunity of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year and shared the view to promote cooperation and dialogue with an aim to liberalize and facilitate trade and investment.
- During the discussion over the situation in the Middle East, such as the Middle East Peace, Iran and Afghanistan, Minister Motegi referred to Minister Lapid’s active diplomacy and expressed his expectation that the development of relations between Israel and Arab states would be a step toward easing tensions and stabilization of the region. With regard to the Middle East Peace, Minister Motegi stressed Japan’s support for a “two-state solution,” and requested Israel to take concrete measures in order to restore confidence among the concerned parties. Minister Motegi also expressed his expectation for continued cooperation of Israel for the implementation of Japan’s assistance to the Palestinians, such as "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity" initiative, with the belief that economic self-reliance of Palestine would be beneficial for both parties. In response, Minister Lapid stated that he highly values Japan’s efforts and also wishes to closely work together with Japan toward improvement of the current situation.
- Minister Motegi also introduced Japan's efforts to achieve a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" and stated that this vision will contribute to the development of the Middle East. In response, Minister Lapid expressed his understanding for FOIP, stressing the importance of maritime security, rule of law and freedom of navigation.
- The two ministers exchanged views on the situation in East Asia including China and North Korea. Minister Motegi asked for understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abduction issue, and gained support from Minister Lapid.