Press Releases
Courtesy Call on H.E. Mr. Israel KATZ, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel,
by State Minister for Foreign Affairs TSUJI Kiyoto
February 28, 2024
On February 28, commencing at 6:35 p.m. (local time,28, 11:35 a.m. JST) for approximately 45 minutes, Mr. TSUJI Kiyoto, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, paid a courtesy call to H.E. Mr. Israel KATZ, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, during his visit to Israel. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, State Minister TSUJI congratulated H.E. Mr. Israel KATZ’s appointment as foreign minister. He stated that the terror attack by Hamas and others on October 7th should never be tolerated, and Japan has unequivocally condemned such acts. He once again expressed Japan’s deepest condolences and sympathies for the victims of the terror attack, and that Japan is deeply worried about the people who were taken hostage, and that all of them must be released immediately.
- State Minister TSUJI stated that Japan is deeply concerned about the critical humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, and that Japan believes a humanitarian ceasefire needs to be realized promptly in such a way as to ensure a conducive environment for sufficient humanitarian assistance activities as well as to lead to the release of the remaining hostages, therefore resulting in the realization of a sustainable ceasefire.
- State Minister TSUJI also stated that Japan has consistently supported a two state-solution, and peace can be achieved only through dialogue between the stakeholders.
- In response, Foreign Minister Katz explained Israel's position on post-war relations with Palestine as well as regional cooperation, in addition to the current situation.
- Both sides concurred on continuing close communication in order for the stability in the region.
- After the Foreign Ministers' Meeting, State Minister Tsuji, in the presence of Foreign Minister Katz, met for approximately 30 minutes with families of those who were killed or kidnapped in the Hamas terror attacks. The families explained the situation on the day of the attack and requested cooperation towards the early release of the hostages and towards a world without terrorism. State Minister Tsuji thanked the families for sharing their stories under such difficult circumstances, and stated that he would make every possible effort towards the release of the hostages and a world free of terrorism.