Press Releases
Japan-Lebanon Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
October 29, 2024
On October 29, commencing at 6:10 p.m. (Japan time) for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Abdallah BouHabib, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of Lebanon. The overview is as follows;
- At the outset, Minister Iwaya introduced himself and Minister BouHabib congratulated Minister Iwaya on his assumption of office.
- Minister Iwaya expressed a serious concern over the situation in Lebanon especially since mid-September. In addition, Minister Iwaya stated that Japan calls for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, condemns all threats to the safety and security of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to make sincere efforts for a diplomatic settlement.
- Minister Iwaya also explained that on October 29, the Government of Japan decided to extend Emergency Grant of USD 10 million to Syria, which has witnessed an influx of displaced people from Lebanon, due to its deteriorating humanitarian situation, in addition to the Emergency Grant of USD 10 million to Lebanon which had been announced on October 21. At the same time, Minister Iwaya requested cooperation in the protection of Japanese nationals.
- In response, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister BouHabib expressed gratitude for for Japan’s assistance, stated that Lebanon places importance on the cooperation with Japan, as its partner, and explained the latest situation on the ground as well as Lebanese diplomatic efforts.
- The two sides concurred to continue cooperation on the situation in the Middle East and the Middle East peace.