PM Mustafa Engages in Strategic Talks with Japanese Foreign Minister in Ramallah

Ramallah: Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa on Sunday received Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi at his office in Ramallah, where they discussed the latest developments in Palestine and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Varsen Aghabekian Shahin and Japan's Ambassador to Palestine ARAIKE Katsuhiko. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Mustafa conveyed the greetings of President Mahmoud Abbas and expressed his appreciation to Japan's leadership, government, and people for their continued support for Palestine and its people. He emphasized the importance of Japan recognizing the State of Palestine, stating that such a move would contribute to peace and stability in the region. The Prime Minister highlighted the dire humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip due to Israel's aggression, which has resulted in nearly 70,000 Palestinians killed, destruction of around 350,000 housing units, and devast ation of most infrastructure. He underscored the need for advancing international efforts to progress with the peace and reconstruction plan, while maintaining the legal mandate of the State of Palestine in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, aiming for an independent Palestinian state. Mustafa also reviewed the challenging economic situation in the occupied West Bank, attributing it to Israeli measures and practices designed to undermine Palestinian institutions and the government. These include the continued withholding of Palestinian tax revenues and attacks by Israeli occupation forces and colonists on Palestinian areas. He noted that since the formation of the government, efforts have been directed towards a 60-item national program focusing on development, advancement, and institutional reform to modernize frameworks and enhance services for the Palestinian people. He praised Japan's ongoing support, including a recent aid package under the 2025 supplementary budget, which aids development efforts amids t economic and humanitarian challenges. Regarding the Japanese minister's visit to Jalazone Refugee Camp, Mustafa remarked on its significance, highlighting that it conveyed the Palestinian people's determination for freedom and independence. He also lauded Japan's support aimed at improving living conditions in refugee camps, either through direct assistance or via UNRWA. In response, the Japanese foreign minister reaffirmed Japan's unwavering support for the two-state solution, the building of Palestinian state institutions, and efforts towards achieving regional peace and stability.