Japan Pledges USD 78 Million Aid to Palestine
Tokyo, J
umadaal Awwal 1437/16 February 2016 (MINA) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced on Monday a fresh economic assistance of USD 78 million to Palestinians, and vowed continued political and economic aid to Palestine.
Abe made the pledges during his meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Tokyo, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) reported, quoting KUNA.
Abe expressed Japan’s intention to continue its political and economic support so that Palestine will be an independent, democratic, viable and contiguous state, the Japan’s Foreign Ministry said in a press release.
President Abbas showed his utmost gratitude to Japan for its support to Palestine amounting to more than USD 1.7 billion since 1993, including the new assistance, it said.
The two leaders also reaffirmed that Japan’s initiative of “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” contributes to peace and development in the region, and welcomed that the first Palestinian company began its operation in the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park, according to the document.
Abe and Abbas shared the view that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains as one of the core issues in the region and that its solution is indispensable for achieving peace and stability in the whole region.
The two also affirmed their support for “a two-state solution,” whereby an independent Palestinian state and Israel live side by side in peace and security based on the 1967 lines.
Expressing grave concern over the current deteriorating security situation in Palestine, Abe said, “As the chairman of Group of Seven (G-7) nation and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Japan further contributes to easing the sufferings of the Palestinians and realizing a two-state solution.”
He also welcomed the idea of holding the multilateral talks on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, showing Japan’s readiness to be actively engaged in the multilateral mechanism in cooperation with regional stakeholders.
In response, Abbas appreciated Japan’s contribution to the Middle East Peace Process. (T/R07/R01)
Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)
