Press Conferences
Press Conference by Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu
Friday, June 26, 2026, 3:59 p.m. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Japanese
Opening Remarks
(1) Emergency Grant in Response to the Deterioration of the Humanitarian Situation in Iran, Lebanon and Palestine
Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: I would like to make two announcements.
The first concerns an Emergency Grant. Peace and stability in the Middle East are of utmost importance for Japan. At the same time, the region continues to face significant humanitarian challenges, including the current situations in Iran, Palestine, and other areas.
Against this backdrop, the Government of Japan has decided today to provide an Emergency Grant of USD 15 million in response to the emergency humanitarian needs in Iran, Lebanon, and the West Bank of Palestine.
Specifically, through international organizations, the Government of Japan will provide humanitarian assistance, including clothing and food, worth USD 10 million to Iran, USD 4 million to Lebanon, and USD 1 million to Palestine.
The Government of Japan will continue to closely coordinate with relevant countries and organizations for the improvement of the humanitarian situation in the Middle East and for peace and stability in the region.
(2) Visit to Japan by H.E. Mr. Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Second, Foreign Minister Sybiha of Ukraine will visit Japan. Minister Sybiha will visit Japan from next Tuesday, June 30, to July 2. During the visit, we will hold a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and a working dinner on July 1.
On the occasion of Minister Sybiha’s visit to Japan, I intend to reiterate that Japan stands with Ukraine and that this position remains unwavering. I also look forward to having a thorough exchange of views toward further advancing our bilateral cooperation.
Lowering of the Travel Advisory Level for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member Countries
Kyodo News, ONDA: Yesterday, the Government of Japan lowered the Travel Advisory level for the GCC countries in light of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the U.S. and Iran. I would like to ask what reasons led to this decision, and what criteria will be used going forward to lower the Travel Advisory level for countries that were not included in yesterday’s announcement.
Foreign Minister MOTEGI: As we announced yesterday, the Government of Japan lowered the Travel Advisory level for the GCC countries and Jordan. This decision was made following the signing of the MoU regarding the cessation of hostilities between the U.S. and Iran, as well as subsequent developments.
With regard to the countries and regions not included this time, we will continue to closely monitor the progress in the implementation of the MoU and the regional situation, and make appropriate decisions accordingly.