Press Releases
Meeting between State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tsuji and Commissioner General Phillipe Lazzarini of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
February 27, 2024
On February 27th, commencing at 12:35 p.m. local time (7:35 p.m. Japan time), for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. TSUJI Kiyoto, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- With regard to Japan's decision to temporarily suspend funding to UNRWA due to the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff in the October 7 terrorist attacks, State Minister Tsuji requested that appropriate measures be taken by UNRWA, including the strengthening of governance.
- UNRWA Commissioner General Lazzarini explained UNRWA's efforts to strengthen its governance, while stating that he would like to value the relationship of trust with Japan, an important partner with which UNRWA has been working closely for many years.
- They reiterated their concerns over the worsening humanitarian situation of Palestine refugees, and agreed to continue to communicate closely with each other, taking into account the progress of the UN investigation and the independent review, as well as moves taken by other donor countries.