Arab News Japan
TOKYO: Japanese Defense Minister NAKATANI Gen stressed to his G7 counterparts on October 19 that it is important for its allies and like-minded countries to work together to implement initiatives to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East and to bring about an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, humanitarian assistance and a sustainable pathway to a two-state solution.
Nakatani made his remarks at the G7 Defense Ministerial Meeting in Italy, which included representatives from the EU and NATO. Defense issues and regional affairs, including the Middle East, topped the agenda, the Defense Ministry in Tokyo reported.
At the meeting, “concern was raised about the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, particularly on the intensification of military cooperation between Iran and Russia,” the ministry’s report said.
Nakatani highlighted the increasingly severe security environment in various areas and emphasized the importance of key defense elements such as the research, development and production of defense equipment, human resources and securing the necessary funds for defense. He said such elements are essential for defense authorities to maximize their potential, protect national peace and contribute effectively to regional peace and stability.
The participants unanimously recognized the importance of strengthening the defense industry and encouraging industrial cooperation to effectively address security challenges.
On Ukraine’s situation, Nakatani stated that Japan had been providing defense equipment to Ukraine and warned that “Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow.”
Nakatani explained the security situation in the Indo-Pacific and emphasized that security in Europe, the Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is indivisible. He added that it is necessary to deter and counter threats and to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law.
The G7 Defense Ministers’ statement “reiterated the absolute need to protect the civilian population and the need for full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access as an absolute priority.”
The statement welcomed UNSCR 2735 and reaffirmed the ministers’ commitment to supporting a political process towards achieving a two-state solution as the only option for ensuring the long-term peaceful coexistence of Israelis and Palestinians, addressing both Israel’s security needs alongside a sovereign, viable and democratic Palestinian state.
“We commend initiatives to train and advise Palestinian Authority security forces and support the broader reform of the security and judiciary,” the statement said. “These initiatives build on the positive experience of successful capacity-building initiatives, including those for the Palestinian Civil Police, which is an improvement for the Palestinian people. We support restoring security and stability on the Lebanon-Israel border, including protecting local populations.”
It also reiterated a call for a full cessation of hostilities consistent with the full implementation of UNSCR 1701 and a diplomatic solution to the fighting, “recognizing the fundamental stabilizing role of the Lebanese Armed Forces and reaffirming the essential role of UNIFIL.”
The participants expressed “serious concern” about the situation in the East and South China Seas and reaffirmed that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to international security and prosperity. They also expressed concern about the military cooperation between Russia, China, and North Korea.