Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: The morning session of the Cairo Summit for Peace is currently in progress. Very meaningful discussions are taking place between heads of states, ministers, heads of international organizations, and others regarding the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine, which is growing more intense by the minute. I understand Japan is the only country from East Asia that has sent a ministerial-level official to the meeting. In this sense, Japan has been able to showcase its presence.

Regarding the situation, Japan has unequivocally condemned the terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants and has consistently taken the position that prioritizes: firstly, the immediate release of hostages and securing the safety of civilians; secondly, all the parties acting based on international law; and thirdly, calming down the situation as soon as possible. In the following session, I will explain Japan’s diplomatic efforts while clearly stating this position of Japan. In addition, regarding the response to the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the most imminent challenge now, I will urge the importance of efforts to (1) deliver necessary assistance to the people in the Gaza Strip as early as possible, and (2) realize evacuation of foreign citizens who still remain in the Gaza Strip. I will also explain that Japan has already announced emergency humanitarian assistance worth 10 million dollars in total, and Japan is considering assistance based on the needs on the ground in a timely manner.

I was informed that trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered the Gaza Strip earlier for the first time since the beginning of the current situation. Japan welcomes this as the first step towards improving the humanitarian situation on the ground. Furthermore, I intend to stress that the window of opportunity for the Middle East Peace should not be shut due to the current situation, from mid- and long-term perspectives, and that Japan’s position to support a “two-state solution” is unwavering. I have reaffirmed how important and urgent the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine is for each country and the international community through discussions with the participants at today’s summit. I intend to firmly make the most of the insights gained from this summit for our future diplomatic efforts. Additionally, in the upcoming afternoon session, I will make sure to contribute to fruitful discussions.

Reporter: It is reported that trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered the Gaza Strip. First of all, could you share your reaction? Second, what is the significance of this visit to Egypt and Japan’s role in your opinion? Please also tell us how Japan intends to evacuate its people in the Gaza Strip.

Minister Kamikawa: Your first question was about bringing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. I was informed that trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered the Gaza Strip earlier for the first time since the beginning of the current situation. Japan welcomes this as the first step towards improving the humanitarian situation on the ground and pays deep respect to those who have worked hard to make it happen.

Second, you asked about the significance of attending this summit and Japan’s role.

The situation surrounding Israel and Palestine is growing more intense by the minute. At the call of Egypt, which is playing a key role, particularly at this juncture, various countries and international organizations have gathered and are holding discussions this time. During the morning session, which is still in progress, the representatives of countries and international organizations expressed strong concerns about the need to secure the safety of civilians and improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible, and to calm down the situation as soon as possible to prevent the instability from spilling across the region. In addition, participants noted in succession the necessity of seeking political solutions on the Palestinian issue based on a “two-state solution.” The meeting will continue from the morning to the afternoon. For my part, I plan to clearly convey Japan’s position and efforts to other countries and international organizations.

In this way, today’s summit offers a critical opportunity to hold discussions between many countries and international organizations towards securing the safety of civilians and calming down the situation as soon as possible.

Japan has provided various forms of support for peace and stability in the Middle East to date. We will make further diplomatic efforts to continue making a proactive contribution.

Regarding the protection of Japanese People, in relation to your third question, a small number of Japanese citizens reside in the Gaza Strip, and we are communicating closely with them. The Government is engaging with the countries and organizations concerned to evacuate them from the Gaza Strip. We are making every effort to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens.

Reporter: To the extent that you remember, please explain what was emphasized by the respective countries and organizations during the morning session. In addition, the afternoon session will be held later. Please tell us, as far as you know, the prospects for bilateral meetings, how the session will be conducted, and so on.

Minister Kamikawa: Many of the participating countries and organizations expressed strong concerns about the need to ensure the safety of civilians and improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible, and to calm down the situation as soon as possible to prevent the instability from spilling across the region. In addition, participants noted in succession the necessity of seeking political solutions on the Palestinian issue based on a “two-state solution.” While the morning session is still in progress, I expect more in-depth discussions will take place in the afternoon about the assessment of the local situation, the efforts of various countries and organizations, and other matters. For my part, I will clearly convey Japan’s position and efforts to other countries and international organizations.

Furthermore, I already have plans to exchange views separately with Foreign Minister Joly of Canada. We are also arranging meetings later with foreign ministers and heads of state from countries including Qatar and Norway, respectively. I intend to make the most of this opportunity to continue to exchange views with as many participating countries as possible.