Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Motegi Toshimitsu said that it is extremely important for Japan and the Arab countries with a long-lasting friendship to have frank exchange of views, in particular when there are growing instabilities and uncertainties in international affairs.
His statement came during an online meeting held on April 1, entitled “The second Japan-Arab Political Dialogue” co-chairing with Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the Arab League; Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar.
Twenty one foreign ministers and representatives from member states and the Arab League attended the dialogue.
Regarding the Middle East peace process, Minister Motegi stressed that Japan’s position in support of a two-state solution remains the same. He added that Japan would continue its efforts to advance the peace process through direct negotiations among the concerned parties by taking advantage of the recent positive developments.
The Japanese minister expressed his concerns about the continuing high tensions in the region over Iran. He added that Japan will continue its diplomatic efforts towards easing tensions and stabilizing the situation in the region.
Minister Motegi also recognized the need of bringing success to the efforts under the international frameworks in order to ensure equitable access to vaccines by all countries, including developing countries.
Other representatives also mentioned the necessity of international collaboration to tackle the pandemic.
With regard to maritime security, Minister Motegi explained that the Middle East region, rich in energy resources, is located in the middle of the critical sea lanes connecting East Asia and Africa through South Asia. He stressed that it is necessary to ensure a free and open order in the region, which underpins the prosperity of Indo-Pacific through those sea lanes.
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