Press Conferences

Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi: As of today, two full years have passed since the situation surrounding the Gaza Strip deteriorated following Hamas’ terror attacks against Israel.

Through the mediation efforts of the U.S. and regional countries, including Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, various negotiations are currently under way to put an end to the tumultuous situation.

The cessation of Israel’s unilateral actions, a sustainable ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, and humanitarian assistance to end the suffering of the people in Gaza as quickly as possible are urgently needed at this very moment. Japan expects that all parties will act in accordance with the plan proposed by President Trump.

As both Prime Minister ISHIBA and I stated on the occasion of last month’s United Nations General Assembly, Japan, together with the countries and organizations concerned, will continue to play a proactive role in steadily moving even a single step closer toward the goal of a two-state solution.

That concludes my opening remarks.

NHK, KAWAMURA: I have a question related to the hostilities in the Gaza Strip. Last month, the Government of Japan decided to provide more than JPY 800 million in grant aid to support medical services in Palestine, including the Gaza Strip, citing the worsening humanitarian crisis on the ground. Opinions such as “Please use this money for Japanese people who are struggling” and “This is a wasteful handout, a wasteful spending” are frequently seen on the internet. Please share your thoughts on how the Government intends to gain the public’s understanding on this grant aid initiative.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: In Palestine, since the outbreak of clashes between Israel and Palestinian militants in October 2023, the humanitarian situation has significantly deteriorated, particularly in the Gaza Strip. Improving the health and nutritional conditions of people in vulnerable situations, such as children and women, is a pressing challenge.

Given this situation, on September 22, Japan signed and exchanged notes concerning the provision of grant aid through the World Health Organization, in order to enhance essential health services and public health functions for the people in Palestine, including Gaza.

I believe many Japanese people feel compassion for the current situation in Gaza. I don’t quite understand those views you just mentioned.

The Middle East has historically been marked by various conflicts and confrontations. While there are many destabilizing factors, peace and stability in this region are extremely important also from the perspective of Japan’s security as it relies on this region for energy sources, especially oil. In this sense, while this is humanitarian assistance, I believe that it contributes significantly to Japan’s national interests.

Official development assistance (ODA), including grant aid, is financed by public funds. Amid severe fiscal conditions, ODA is, needless to say, supported by the understanding and cooperation of the public. Therefore, we intend to further strengthen our efforts to gain the understanding and acceptance among Japanese people through various public communications.

Nikkei Shimbun, BABA: I would like to ask about the election of the Director-General of UNESCO. Dr. El-Anany, former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, has been elected to succeed the incumbent UNESCO Director-General. You met with him in May. What are your thoughts on this election result?

Foreign Minister IWAYA: As you just noted, on October 6, local time, as a result of a vote by the members of the Executive Board of UNESCO, Dr. El-Anany, former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, has been nominated as the next Director-General of UNESCO. I just met with the former Minister this May, and I would like to welcome this nomination.

The role of UNESCO in addressing global issues in the fields of education, science, culture and communication continues to be extremely important.

To ensure that UNESCO continues to fully fulfill this role, we expect that the new Director-General will demonstrate strong leadership, and Japan intends to give firm support to the activities of the Director-General.

Yomiuri Shimbun, KURIYAMA: Australia concluded a mutual defence treaty with Papua New Guinea on October 6. It is seen as an attempt to counter China, which is expanding its influence in Pacific Island countries. Do you expect that the treaty will contribute to regional stability? Please tell us about the Government of Japan’s view and assessment on this.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: We are aware that, as you just mentioned, the Australia-Papua New Guinea Mutual Defence Treaty was signed by leaders of the two countries yesterday, in Canberra, the capital of Australia.

Both countries are important partners for Japan in realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP). In this context, we believe that strengthening the multi-layered partnership between like-minded countries is important and meaningful for the stability of the region. Japan welcomes the strengthening of security relations between Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Going forward, Japan, in close cooperation with both countries, is committed to firmly contributing to the establishment of FOIP and maintenance of peace and stability in the region.

Kyodo News, KAJIKAZAWA: I would like to ask about the new LDP President. Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae has been elected as the new LDP President. Please share your thoughts on the appointment of the new President. Additionally, during her recent inaugural press conference, the new President TAKAICHI touched on strengthening relations, such as the Japan-U.S. Alliance and the Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) relationship. However, she has not served in major posts in government or other key positions in the area of diplomacy, making her diplomatic skills unknown. Furthermore, she has a strong conservative orientation and is known as a “hawk” with a hardline posture toward China. Do you think this will have any impact on Japan’s relations with China and the ROK going forward? What expectations do you have for foreign policy under the new President? Later this month, U.S. President Trump is scheduled to visit Japan. Please tell us how the ISHIBA administration would like to prepare for the handover to the incoming administration.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: First of all, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ms. TAKAICHI on her appointment as the new LDP President.

While it is too soon to say, if the upcoming election in the extraordinary Diet session to select the prime minister proceeds smoothly, the new President TAKAICHI will become the first female prime minister in Japan. In that sense, she would be an epoch-making prime minister, and I look forward to her success.

At the same time, challenging issues are mounting at home and abroad, and the same goes with diplomacy. I believe state affairs and diplomacy do not allow even a moment of stagnation. The diplomatic schedule of the next prime minister is being filled rapidly. I hope the next prime minister will respond to them appropriately and will continue to resolutely pursue diplomacy in which Japan, as a bridge between countries, leads the increasingly divided and confrontational world toward reconciliation and cooperation.

Of course, as long as I am in office, and until the very last moment of my tenure, I will devote every effort to conducting “diplomacy of dialogue and harmony.”

I believe that Japan-U.S. relations will continue to be the cornerstone of Japan’s foreign policy, but this will not be all. It is also necessary to create a mesh-like network with like-minded and friendly countries. I hope the new administration will work hard on these initiatives.

Furthermore, unless diplomacy with neighboring countries is managed properly, it will be difficult to respond effectively to issues beyond the region. While there are challenging issues with China and the ROK precisely because they are nearby or neighboring countries, I would like the next administration to build future-oriented, constructive, and stable relations through continued holding of careful, persistent dialogues, and I am sure that they will.

As for President Trump’s visit to Japan, although nothing specific has been settled yet, . various diplomatic events, including this, will be awaiting the new prime minister in rapid succession. I hope the new administration will work to carry on and advance the efforts made so far by the Government, including relations with ASEAN and Japan-U.S. relations, which are the cornerstone of Japan’s foreign policy. We will prepare thoroughly until the last moment to see to it that this happens.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: Certain Japanese political parties with which the LDP, your party, intends to engage in cooperation seem to hold foreign policy principles that differ from your party and Komeito party, both of which are currently against recognizing Palestine as a state. I understand that you, Minister, and Prime Minister ISHIBA have mentioned about, have talked about possible measures against Israel. So may I ask what kind of measures are these? And also, how would you address the concerns of those political parties who seek the recognition of Palestine as a state.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: It is a misunderstanding that the LDP is opposed to recognizing Palestinian statehood. As I have repeatedly stated, including here at the press conferences, Japan has consistently supported a two-state solution, so the issue of recognizing Palestinian statehood is not a question of whether, but when. This position has not changed at all.

What matters the most is that Palestine can exist in a sustainable manner, living side by side in peace with Israel. We understand that discussions are currently under way based on President Trump’s proposal. It is important to make steady strides toward a future two-state solution, a true two-state solution. Japan intends to firmly make efforts and provide support to help achieve this goal.

Regarding which parties the LDP will cooperate with in the future, I would like to refrain from commenting in my capacity as a Foreign Minister. I believe many parties are paying close attention to this issue, and that the ideal form will be sought in the course of the ongoing discussions. However, as for what kind of framework the LDP will or will not establish with which party, this is the issue that is currently being considered at the party level, and I would like to refrain from commenting in my current capacity as a Minister.

As I stated at the outset, Japan remains committed to making steady efforts to achieve a two-state solution. We have made it clear to Israel that, in the event of a situation in which the foundation of a two-state solution is completely undermined, Japan will be compelled to take new measures in response. In that case, Japan will consider all options, without ruling any out, including sanctions or recognition of Palestinian statehood.