Dr. Samah Hamad Discusses Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation and Recent Developments with Japanese Foreign Minister
Manila – Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development and Minister of State for Relief Affairs, held an important bilateral political meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya on the sidelines of the Fifth Ministerial Meeting of the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD) in Manila, Philippines.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen the longstanding bilateral relations between the State of Palestine and Japan, and explored opportunities to expand their strategic partnership across development, humanitarian, and relief sectors in support of the resilience of the Palestinian people. They also reviewed Japan's continued support for Palestinian institutions and discussed ways to advance sustainable development efforts.
During the meeting, the Japanese Foreign Minister expressed his country's deep concern over the continued deterioration of the humanitarian and security situation in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Minister Iwaya also outlined Japan's latest humanitarian assistance package, which includes an emergency grant of USD 1 million to support the water and sanitation sector in the West Bank.
For her part, Dr. Hamad briefed the Japanese Foreign Minister on the Palestinian Government's ongoing preparations and plans for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip once conditions permit. She also highlighted the suffering of the Palestinian people as a result of the deteriorating situation and escalating violations in the West Bank, in addition to the severe financial crisis facing the Palestinian National Authority due to Israeli measures. The Minister stressed the importance of coordinated international efforts to press for an end to the aggression and violations, while ensuring the provision of a financial and social safety net for the Palestinian people.
Dr. Hamad concluded the meeting by conveying the appreciation of the State of Palestine—its leadership, government, and people—to the Government and people of Japan for their steadfast positions and continued political and financial support for the Palestinian cause across international, development, and humanitarian forums.