Vice President receives Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan and discusses latest developments

Ramallah, January 11, 2026 – His Excellency Hussein Al Sheikh, Vice President of the State of Palestine, received today in Ramallah Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, where they discussed the latest political and humanitarian developments in Palestine, as well as bilateral relations between the State of Palestine and Japan and ways to further strengthen them.

The Vice President conveyed the greetings of His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas and his personal to the Prime Minister of Japan, Ms. Takaichi, and to His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, expressing appreciation for the deep bonds of friendship and cooperation that unite the two countries.

The Vice President also reaffirmed the State of Palestine's high appreciation for Japan’s steadfast and supportive positions in favor of achieving a just peace based on the two-state solution and international legitimacy. He also commended Japan’s support for the New York Declaration and its constructive role on the international stage.

Additionally, the Vice President also thanked the Japanese government for the new humanitarian and development assistance provided to the Palestinian people, amounting to approximately USD 170 million, as well as for its continued support for development and capacity-building efforts, particularly the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative, including the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park.

The Vice President praised Japan’s leadership of the CEAPAD process in support of building Palestinian state institutions, and expressing his appreciation for Japan’s commitment to supporting the implementation of President Trump’s plan, reflecting Japan’s practical engagement in advancing stability and peace.

With regard to the Gaza Strip, the Vice President reaffirmed the State of Palestine's welcoming of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan, stressing the importance of its full implementation, leading to the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces and the launch of reconstruction efforts, while underscoring the central role of the Palestinian National Authority in administering the Gaza Strip and ensuring the political, legal, and administrative unity between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

As for the situation in the West Bank, the Vice President emphasized the urgent need to immediately halt settlement activity, put an end to settler violence, and release the Palestinian people’s withheld funds, warning of the serious consequences of these policies in undermining the Palestinian Authority, the two-state solution, and prospects for peace and stability.

The Vice President reaffirmed that the Palestinian leadership remains committed to the implementation of the comprehensive reform agenda, including holding municipal elections, preparing for the Fatah conference, and willingness to conduct general elections as soon as conditions allow.

The Vice President welcomed the invitation extended by the Japanese Foreign Minister to visit Japan to continue discussions and further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and their peoples.

On the Palestinian side, the meeting was attended by Diplomatic Adviser to the President Dr. Majdi Al-Khalidi, Presidential Spokesperson HE Nabil Abu Rudeineh, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Chief of Staff of the Vice President Ayah AlMuhisin, and Major General Rislan Shibrahim, Adviser to the Vice President. The Japanese side included the Ambassador of Japan to Palestine and a number of senior Japanese officials.