Japan-Palestine Relations
Courtesy Call on the President of Palestine by Foreign Minister Motegi
August 17, 2021
On August 17, commencing at 1:35 p.m. (local time, 7:35 p.m. JST) for 40 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, paid a courtesy call to H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Abbas, President 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 visit Palestine again as a Minister for Foreign Affairs, referring to the previous meeting upon the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor in 2019. In response, President Abbas welcomed Minister Motegi’s visit to Palestine.
- Minister Motegi stated that Japan has implemented assistance of more than 2.1 billion US dollars for Palestine since 1993 and Japan will continue to support Palestine facing long-standing conflicts and adversity amid COVID-19 pandemic. In response, President Abbas expressed his gratitude for Japan's assistance to Palestine and stated that Palestine would continue close cooperation with Japan in all aspects.
- Minister Motegi stated that Japan’s support for a ‘two-state solution’ remains unchanged noting that Japan supports the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people including future independent state-building of Palestine. In response, President Abbas explained the situation surrounding Palestinian-Israeli relations and highly valued Japan's commitment to the Middle East Peace. Minister Motegi appreciated the fact that the ceasefire has been sustained since last May. Minster Motegi expressed his hope that parties concerned would implement concrete measures towards easing the tension and restoring confidence under the leadership of President Abbas. In response, President Abbas expressed his determination to resolve issues through peaceful means.
- Both sides exchanged views on the situation regarding China and Afghanistan, among others.