Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has expressed “strong” hope that international support for Palestine would continue to grow, saying “the viability of Palestine is essential to realise a two-state solution.”
Motegi made the remarks while co-chairing the ministerial meeting of the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD), held in Manila, the Philippines, on Wednesday, state broadcaster NHK reported on Thursday.
The CEAPAD framework was launched under Japan’s leadership in 2013 to discuss support for Palestine.
Representatives from the Palestinian Authority and East Asian nations participated in the meeting.
Trilateral cooperation
Stressing the significance of CEAPAD, Motegi said the framework can contribute to Palestinian state-building efforts through medium- to long-term human resource development.
He cited talent development in areas including healthcare, education, agriculture and tourism.
Motegi also highlighted the importance of trilateral cooperation, in which partner countries collaborate to support Palestine by drawing on their respective strengths.
Japan has consistently supported a two-state solution but has yet to formally recognise a Palestinian state, saying it is assessing the appropriate timing and manner of recognition.
Tokyo has provided $2.8 billion in assistance to Palestinians since 1993, including approximately $410 million in humanitarian aid and supplies since October 2023.
