Japan-Lebanon Relations
Japan-Lebanon Foreign Minister’s Meeting
December 13, 2023
On December 13th, commencing at 4:20 p.m. local time (0:20 a.m. on December 14th Japan time) for approximately 30 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Geneva, Switzerland, to attend the Second Global Refugee Forum, held a meeting with H. E. Mr. Abdallah Bou Habib, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of Lebanese Republic. The overview is as follows.
- With regard to the situation in the Gaza Strip, Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan is srongly concerned about the resumption of the fighting and that the combat has expanded to all areas of the Gaza Strip including the southern areas, and that Japan will continue to make utmost diplomatic efforts in order that the Security Council can fulfill its role. The Minister also stated that Japan is paying close attention to the continued exchange of fire with Israel in southern Lebanon with great concern, and that Japan would like to cooperate with countries in the region, including Lebanon, to avoid further escalation of tensions, including through diplomatic outreach to the parties concerned.
- In response, Minister Bou Habib expressed appreciation for Japan’s diplomatic efforts so far and stated he shares the concerns expressed by Minister Kamikawa. Minister Bou Habib then explained the latest situation on the ground as well as Lebanon’s diplomatic efforts with regard to the current situation. The two Ministers confirmed that the two countries will continue to work together in order to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and calm down the situation as soon as possible.
- The two Ministers also exchanged views on Japan's humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, the issue of the defendant Carlos Ghosn, and the urgent issues that Lebanon is facing, such as the prolonged absence of the President, and they agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.