Meeting in Tokyo on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
The foreign ministers of the United States and Japan discussed the situation in Israel and Palestine at a meeting on the 7th and agreed to maintain cooperation for a ceasefire for humanitarian purposes.
NHK broadcasting and others reported that U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa held a meeting at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs building for about 45 minutes starting at 6:25 p.m. on this day.
This meeting was held on the occasion of the meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) countries held in Tokyo on the 7th and 8th.
The two ministers exchanged frank opinions on the situation in Palestine, and continued to realize a ‘two-state solution’ in which Israel and Palestine each establish an independent state, as well as a ceasefire for humanitarian purposes that will contribute to improving the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. So we decided to cooperate closely.
It was also decided to continue diplomatic efforts to prevent the war between Israel and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas from spreading throughout the Middle East.
In his opening remarks, Foreign Minister Kamikawa said, “We firmly condemn the terrorist attack by Hamas and hope that the hostages held by Hamas will be released as soon as possible.”
He continued, “We support the United States’ diplomatic efforts on the Israel and Palestine issues to the fullest,” and emphasized, “U.S.-Japan solidarity is important at a time when the international community is facing various challenges.”
Secretary Blinken responded, “I express my gratitude to Japan for demonstrating leadership in the G7 at a time like this.”
He then emphasized that he would further strengthen U.S.-Japan relations and cooperate closely with Foreign Minister Kamikawa.
The two ministers reached a consensus on continuing cooperation on various tasks, including the war in Ukraine and responses to China.
Secretary Blinken paid a courtesy call on Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida prior to his meeting with Foreign Minister Kamikawa.
Prime Minister Kishida emphasized at the meeting, “The situation requires G7 solidarity more than before in matters such as the situation in Israel and Palestine, the situation in Ukraine, and tasks in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Prime Minister Kishida also resolutely condemned Hamas’ terrorist attack and said he highly valued the leadership and diplomatic efforts of the Joe Biden administration.
Secretary Blinken responded, “I would like to further strengthen the linkage between each member country through the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.