Press Releases
Japan-Israel Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
May 13, 2025
On May 13, commencing at 5:15 p.m. (Japan Time) for approximately 60 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Gideon SA’AR, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, who is visiting Japan on the occasion of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The overview is as follows:
- At the outset, Minister Iwaya expressed his hope that Minister Sa’ar visit to Japan on the occasion of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, will help deepen mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries. In response, Minister Sa’ar expressed his desire that this visit to Japan would be an opportunity to further advance the bilateral relations between the two countries.
- Regarding the situation surrounding the Gaza Strip, Minister Iwaya, having strongly condemned the terror attacks by Hamas and others, expressed his serious concern about the devastating humanitarian situation on the ground, in particular the many civilian casualities caused by the resumption of military operations, and strongly urged all parties, including Israel, to return to negotiations and to work in good faith towards the continuation of the ceasefire agreement. Minister Iwaya also strongly called for abiding by international law, including international humanitarian law, such as protecting civilians and ensuringhumanitarian assistance. Minister Iwaya also reiterated the importance of a two-state solution. In response, Minister Sa'ar explained Israel's position.
- On the overall situation in the Middle East, Minister Iwaya emphasized that further escalation of the situation is by no means in the interest of the entire international community, and called on all parties, including Israel, to exercise utmost restraint and seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue. In response, Minister Sa'ar explained Israel's position.
- The two Foreign Ministers concurred on continuing to exchange views on Japan-Israel relations and regional and international issues, using opportunities of various consultative frameworks and meeting occasions at all levels, and to consult on bilateral relations from a mid-to-long term perspective.