Press Conferences

Reporter: I understand a Japan-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk was just held. Please share the details with us. In addition, regarding the situation in Israel and Palestine, please tell us what actions the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will take, such as measures to evacuate Japanese citizens or urging both sides to implement a ceasefire.

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: In response to the recent situation in the Gaza Strip and Palestine, I just held a telephone talk with Foreign Minister Abdullah of the UAE, following my telephone talk with Deputy Prime Minister Safadi of Jordan yesterday.

I conveyed that I am deeply saddened by the attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants, which have claimed the lives of so many innocent civilians. I also explained Japan’s view based on the latest situation that Japan strongly condemns such attacks. In addition, I stressed that it is important for the numerous civilians being held hostage to be released as soon as possible.

Foreign Minister Abdullah explained UAE’s diplomatic efforts in the wake of the attack. Given the situation, we confirmed that we will continue to work together in order to prevent further escalation of the situation, including engagement with the parties concerned. We will make thorough efforts to engage the various parties concerned and the United Nations Security Council.

Regarding the protection of Japanese citizens, we have yet to receive any information that any have lost their lives or been injured. Nevertheless, from the standpoint of making all necessary preparations, today, we established a liaison office concerning the situation in the Gaza Strip, headed by the Director-General of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau, through which we are responding.

The local situation is constantly changing. I will take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese people in Israel and the Gaza Strip, while endeavoring to stay on top of the latest information. Furthermore, I will engage in utmost diplomatic efforts towards calming down the situation as soon as possible, including holding meetings with Middle Eastern countries and other countries concerned.