Japan-Palestine Relations
Japan-Palestine Foreign Minister’s Meeting
August 17, 2021
On August 17, commencing at 11:15 a.m. (local time, 5:15 p.m. JST) for 30 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Riad Malki, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Palestine during his visit to Palestine. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Motegi stated that he was pleased to have a first face-to-face meeting with Foreign Minister Malki, following the telephone talk in May. In response, Minister Malki welcomed Minister Motegi's visit to Palestine and expressed his intention to strengthen Japan - Palestine relations.
- Minister Motegi referred to the fact that Japan has provided more than 23 million US dollars for Palestine since this June, with the Exchange of Notes, signed this time, concerning grant aid of 3.7 million US dollars to implement the Food Assistance Programme through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and stated that Japan will continue playing an active role in providing assistance to Palestine including Gaza reconstruction and countering COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Malki expressed his gratitude for the support extended by Japan for Palestine. Minister Motegi also reaffirmed Japan’s position to support a two-state solution regarding the Middle East Peace remains unchanged and appreciated the fact that the ceasefire has been sustained since last May, and noted that both Palestinian and Israeli sides need to make their utmost efforts in order to avoid the recurrence of violence. In response, Minister Malki expressed his intention to make efforts toward confidence-building with support from the international community, including Japan.
- Furthermore Minister Motegi 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, and Minister Malki stated that rule of law and free trade set out in FOIP are measurable values and expressed his appreciation for Japan's leadership.
- Following the meeting, Mr. MAGOSHI Masayuki, Ambassador for the Palestinian Affairs and Representative of Japan to Palestine and Mr. Karim Amer, Director of Partnerships, UNRWA, signed and exchanged notes concerning 3.7 million US dollars(40 million yen) in grant aid to implement the Food Assistance Programme to Palestinian refugees in the presence of the two Ministers.