Press Releases
Japan-Israel Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
January 20, 2023
On January 20th, commencing at 5:40 PM for 15 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Eli COHEN, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel. The overview is as follows:
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi extended his congratulations on Minister Cohen’s assumption and mentioned that it is very encouraging that Minister Cohen, who is familiar with Japan, has been appointed as the Israeli Foreign Minister. In response, Minister Cohen expressed his appreciation.
- The two ministers exchanged views on the issues including the situations in Ukraine and East Asia, and Minister Hayashi stated that he would like to strengthen cooperation with Israel, touching upon the importance of maintaining and strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law.
- On the Middle East Peace, stating that Japan is concerned about recent unilateral measures resulting in the escalation of tensions, Minister Hayashi explained Japan’s approach of assisting Palestinians in order to achieve a two-state solution, and asked for cooperation of Israel. Minister Cohen stated that Israel respects the status quo with regard to holy sites.
- The two Ministers concurred to continue their efforts to further develop bilateral relations in multiple aspects.