Japan FM calls for cooperation among East Asian countries to support Palestine
He made the appeal at the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development in Malaysia on Friday. Representatives of the Palestinian Authority, East Asian countries, and the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, were among the attendees.
Iwaya, who served as the meeting's co-chair, said Palestine is facing unprecedented difficulties, and there is an urgent need for humanitarian support, as well as an enormous need for early reconstruction and recovery efforts.
He said it is significant for countries to cooperate and try to expand support for Palestine and diversify means of support.
The minister said Japan will cooperate with relevant countries and organizations and play an active role in providing humanitarian and reconstruction efforts.
A co-chairs' statement was issued at the conclusion of the meeting. It expresses grave concern on the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and calls for efforts by the entire international community.
An action plan on 15 major areas of support, including health, housing, and debris management, was also released.
The conference on support for Palestine was launched in 2013 with Japan's initiative. The last ministerial-level meeting was held in 2018.
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