Press Releases
Foreign Minister MOTEGI’s Meetings with Ambassadors of Middle Eastern Countries to Japan
March 2, 2026
On March 2, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, in light of the current situation in the Middle East, held meetings with Ambassadors or representatives of Middle Eastern countries to Japan. The overview of the meetings is as follows:
- Minister MOTEGI held a meeting with the Ambassadors or representatives of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Bahrain, and Jordan, and offered his condolences for the damages caused in each country by attacks from Iran. Minister MOTEGI also stated that Japan is seriously concerned about the deterioration of the regional situation surrounding Iran, and conveyed Japan's consistent stance that Iran's development of nuclear weapons must never be allowed. Furthermore, Minister MOTEGI explained that Japan will continue to make all necessary diplomatic efforts to bring about an early settlement of the situation. Minister MOTEGI also requested cooperation to ensure the protection of Japanese nationals in each country. The Ambassadors or representatives of each country expressed their desire to continue working closely with Japan toward peace and stability in the region.
- Minister MOTEGI held individual meetings with the Israeli Ambassador to Japan and the Iranian Ambassador to Japan. In the meeting with the Israeli Ambassador to Japan, Minister MOTEGI explained that Japan is seriously concerned about the deterioration of the regional situation surrounding Iran, and that Japan will continue to make all necessary diplomatic efforts to bring about an early settlement of the situation. In the meeting with the Iranian Ambassador to Japan, in addition to the above, Minister MOTEGI conveyed Japan's consistent stance that Iran's development of nuclear weapons must never be allowed and urged Iran to cease actions that destabilize the region, including attacks to neighboring countries. Furthermore, Minister MOTEGI touched upon the issue of ensuring safety of the Strait of Hormuz. Minister MOTEGI also requested cooperation from both Ambassadors to ensure the protection of Japanese nationals in their respective countries.