Japan-Israel Relations
Japan-Israel Foreign Ministers’Meeting
November 3, 2023
On November 3rd, commencing at 9 a.m. (4 p.m. Japan time) for approximately 40 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is visiting the State of Israel, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Eli COHEN, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel. The overview is as follows:
- At the outset, Minister Kamikawa reiterated that Japan has unequivocally condemned the recent terror attacks including the brutal killing and kidnapping by Hamas and others, and expressed Japan’s solidarity with the people of Israel. She offered her condolences to the bereaved families and expressed her heartfelt sympathies to the injured. Furthermore, she stated that she is worried about those kidnapped, and hostages must be released immediately.
- Minister Kamikawa also expressed that Japan is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. She raised that humanitarian pause is needed, and all the parties must act in accordance with international law including the international humanitarian law. Furthermore, Minister Kamikawa once again requested cooperation in ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals.
- Minister Cohen stated that Israel appreciates the solidarity shown by Japan to Israel, and that Israel would continue to cooperate as much as possible to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.
- Minister Kamikawa and Minister Cohen concurred to continue to cooperate toward securing safety of civilians and calming down the situation as soon as possible.
- After the Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Minister Kamikawa, in the presence of Foreign Minister Cohen, met for approximately 30 minutes with three families of those killed or kidnapped in the Hamas terrorist attacks. The families explained the situation on the day of the attack and requested cooperation towards the early release of the hostages and towards a world without terrorism. Minister Kamikawa thanked the families for sharing their stories under such difficult circumstances, expressed solidarity with the Israeli people, and stated that she would make every possible effort towards the release of the hostages and a world free of terrorism.