October 12,
2014
Statement by the State Minister for Foreign
Affairs of Japan,
Mr. Yasuhide Nakayama
On the occasion of the Conference on the Reconstruction of Gaza（October 12th,
Cairo）
1. Opening Remarks
First, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and respect for all the
efforts of the Government of Egypt and the Government of Norway in holding this
conference. I would also like to express my heartfelt condolences to the victims
of the recent confrontation in the Gaza Strip.
I attend this conference on behalf of the Government of Japan upon instruction
from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Fumio Kishida, who
unfortunately had to stay in the country to address urgent official affairs.
2. “International Support Mechanism”
It is extremely regrettable that civilians have lost their lives in the recent
situation in Gaza. It is necessary to consolidate the ceasefire in order to
prevent the reoccurrence of such tragedy and to achieve reconstruction of Gaza
through governance of the Palestinian Authority. In this context, Japan welcomes
the Mechanism of Materials Monitoring which was agreed upon among the United
Nations, Israel and Palestine, as we regard it as the basis for reconstruction.
Moving forward, it is essential to establish an international mechanism along
with a solid follow-up system. The purpose of the “International Support
Mechanism” which Japan proposes is to assure sustainable ceasefire and achieve a
smooth reconstruction process. This mechanism consists of three pillars: Border
Control and Security Arrangement, Humanitarian Aid and Rehabilitation, and
Governance and Human Resources Development. Japan is ready to work together with
the concerned parties to realize this idea.
Moreover, the reconstruction process should lead to the resumption of Middle
East peace talks and the stabilization of the entire Middle East. We call on the
concerned parties to continue the consultations for the resumption of the peace
talks. At the same time, we underline once again our position to oppose any
action that hinders the resumption of the peace talks.
3. Pledge
Ladies and gentlemen, the international community must combine its efforts to
rebuild Gaza. Japan, which has provided 1.47 billion dollars in total since the
1993 Oslo Accord, is determined to contribute at every stage of the Gaza
reconstruction process.
This year, Japan announced 200 million US dollars as a new pledge for
Palestinian assistance on the occasion of the Second Ministerial meeting for the
Conference on Cooperation among East Asian countries for Palestine Development (CEAPAD).
I emphasize that Japan has already disbursed 70 million dollars.
After the recent confrontation in Gaza, Japan provided emergency assistance
worth of 7.8 million US dollars. Furthermore, Japan will provide an additional
20 million dollars which will be used for the removal of rubble, and in the
areas of food supply and social and economic development. We intend to steadily
implement the pledges, as ‘a nation that implements its pledges without fail’.
4. Unique efforts by Japan
Japan has also been working on unique efforts to stabilize the social and
economic situation in Palestine.
CEAPAD was established under Japan’s initiative in 2013 as a consultative
framework to mobilize Asian countries’ knowledge and resources in assisting the
Palestinians. Two ministerial meetings have already been held, and assistance
through cooperation among Asian countries confirmed in CEAPAD is steadily being
implemented.
I would also like to mention that five companies are now constructing their
factories at the site of the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park project, one of the
central projects of the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity”, on which Japan is
cooperating with Israel, Palestine and Jordan. This project will create 7,000
jobs and 20,000 beneficiaries in the future.
Moreover, Japan has invited more than 180 Israeli and Palestinian youths to
visit Japan, as a youth exchange program, which I believe has contributed to the
building of mutual trust between the two sides.
Japan will promote cooperation and confidence-building, as well as provide hope
for the future among people through such concrete and steady efforts.
5. Conclusion
I hope that this conference will be a huge step to realizing a ‘two state
solution’. Japan will spare no effort in the reconstruction of Gaza. Thank you.
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