Middle East

1. Time and date: July 11 (Friday) from 6:10 p.m. for approximately 75 mins .
2. Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC)
3. Participants: Representatives of 13 countries and regions, and 2 international organizations (including 10 ministers participated).
   Participating countries, region and organizations: Japan, Malaysia, Palestine, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Laos, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

1. Minister Mohamad explained Malaysia’s efforts and position on the Palestinian issue, and then expressed its appreciation for a long-standing efforts of CEAPAD, which Japan had launched, emphasizing the importance of this ministerial-level meeting.
2. Minister Iwaya emphasized the significance of enhancing collaboration through CEAPAD launched by Japan in 2013 to expand the assistance base and diversify the assistance means for Palestine, in light of the unprecedented difficulties Palestine has been facing, including the situation in Gaza, and the urgent humanitarian needs as well as enormous early-recovery and reconstruction needs that have emerged. He further stated that a key strength of CEAPAD lies in the capacity of East Asian countries, each with diverse experiences, to leverage their respective strengths to cooperate not only in humanitarian assistance but also at every stage of Palestine's reconstruction and development. Minister Iwaya explained Japan's efforts providing 230 million US dollars as our assistance to Palestine since October 2023, and the current status of Jericho Agro-Industrial Park (JAIP), operated by Japan in the West Bank under the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative. From the standpoint of supporting a two-state solution, Minister Iwaya emphasized Japan's commitment to continue to play an active role in humanitarian aid, early recovery and reconstruction assistance, and supporting Palestinian Authority (PA) reforms in cooperation with partner countries and organizations, including CEAPAD partners. Minister Iwaya also stated that Japan calls for the realization of a ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible.
3. Minister Salameh of Palestine expressed appreciation for Japan's leadership and long-standing support to Palestine, including the CEAPAD initiative, and expressed expectations for further cooperation through CEAPAD in the future, noting that the diverse support from East Asian countries has significantly contributed to Palestine's state-building efforts. Furthermore, Prime Minister Mustafa, who participated through his video massage, provided an overview of the various challenges Palestine is facing in Gaza and the West Bank, stating that these issues require collective efforts by the whole international community, and then emphasized the importance of a two-state solution.
4. In addition, the participating countries and organizations made the following remarks and expressed their intentions for future support to Palestine based on their respective strengths.
   A. Highly commended Japan's leadership in revitalizing CEAPAD and holding of a ministerial-level meeting in a timely manner, in response to the situation in Gaza since October 2023. Expressed gratitude to Malaysia, the host country, for its efforts.
   B. Expressed concerns over the deteriorating situation in the West Bank and Gaza, particularly about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and called for the full resumption of humanitarian aid as well as the independent and impartial operations of the United Nations and humanitarian agencies.
   C. Emphasized the necessity of a ceasefire. Reiterated support for a two-state solution.
   D. Expressed their intention to strengthen coordination and promote cooperation through CEAPAD in humanitarian aid, recovery and reconstruction assistance that Palestine requires, and support for Palestinian Authority (PA) reforms.
   E. Supported the activities of UNRWA, which plays an indispensable role in assisting Palestinian refugees.

As a result of the meeting, the Co-Chairs’ Joint Statement by Japan, Malaysia and Palestine was issued and the CEAPAD IV Kuala Lumpur Action Plan was adopted, which outlines the needs of Palestine and the areas of assistance where each participant can leverage their strengths.