Press Releases
Japan-Israel Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
April 16, 2024
On April 16th, commencing at 6:10 p.m. (Japan Time) for approximately 25 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Israel KATZ, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel. The overview is as follows:
- Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan is deeply concerned about the attacks by Iran against Israel, which further deteriorate the current situation in the Middle East, and strongly condemns such escalation.
- Minister Kamikawa, based on the result of the preceeding Foreign Ministers’ telephone talk between Japan and the Islamic Republic of Iran, also stressed that if the tension runs any higher, the situation could become out of control, and it would not be in the interest of the international community as a whole, including Japan, not to mention that of Israel and the Israeli people, and strongly urged Israel to exercise restraint.
Further, Minister Kamikawa requested for Israel’s support in securing the safety of Japanese nationals, and Minister Katz stated that he would cooperate as much as possible. - With regard to the situation surrounding the Gaza Strip, Minister Kamikawa, referring to Japan’s concern over the situation in Rafah, called for immediate ceasefire so that a conducive environment for humanitarian assistance activities is ensured in a sustained manner, and release of the hostages is realized, and stated that Japan strongly hopes that it would lead to the realization of a sustainable ceasefire, and once again called for action for that cause.
- Both sides concurred to continue close communication.