Japan working with Qatar to advance clean energy projects: Ambassador

DOHA: Ambassador of Japan to Qatar H E Satoshi Maeda has said Japan is deeply concerned about the critical humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, w...

DOHA: Ambassador of Japan to Qatar H E Satoshi Maeda has said Japan is deeply concerned about the critical humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, which has been ongoing for 300 days.

“Our position is to work towards the release of all hostages, to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and create an environment that allows humanitarian assistance within the region,” Ambassador Maeda said in an exclusive interview with The Peninsula.

He added that Japan supports the mediation efforts led by Qatar, the United States and Egypt to release the hostages and achieve a ceasefire. “In March this year, we voted in favour of the Security Council resolution calling for a Ramadan ceasefire.”

“It is also necessary to address medium-to-long-term issues such as reforming the Palestinian Authority (PA), promoting the political process toward a two-state solution, and reconstructing Gaza. Japan is already providing much-needed humanitarian aid and relief for the Palestinian people, including those in the Gaza Strip. Since October 2023, we have provided $125m worth of aid to Gaza.”

The ambassador noted that Japan’s foreign policy is based on maintaining, strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law, and supporting the peaceful resolution of international conflicts.