Japan-Yemen Relations

　On Tuesday, September 12, from at 1:20 p.m. (local time) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Abdulmalik Al-Mekhlafi, Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Yemen, within the League of Arab States in Cairo, the Arab Republic of Egypt. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. Minister Kono stated with expressing his gratitude for the congratulations letter he received upon his appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs, and added that he was pleased to be able to hold the first Japan-Yemen Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in almost four years. He also expressed his concern about the ongoing dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, explained that Japan supports the legitimate government, and stated that he intends to collaborate with Minister Al-Mekhlafi for improving the humanitarian situation and the ceasefire and the early resumption of peace process. In response, Minister Al-Mekhlafi appreciated the initiative that Minister Kono showed in the Japan-Arab Political Dialogue, and expressed his deep gratitude for Japan’s humanitarian and development assistance along with his hope for Japan’s role.
2. Minister Al-Mekhlafi explained the humanitarian situation in Yemen, including the cholera outbreak.
3. With regard to the situation in North Korea, Minister Kono requested cooperation on consistent implementation of the newly-adopted United Nations Security Council resolution, and Minister Al-Mekhlafi expressed his concurrence in response.