Secretary General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, met with Japanese journalists at the Japan National Press Club, emphasising the importance of strengthening ties between Japan and the Arab world.
Aboul Gheit highlighted areas for expanding relations, including technology transfer, investment, economic development cooperation, and trade, which has reached $140 billion this year.
During the meeting, Aboul Gheit condemned the occupation state’s war crimes in Gaza, attributing regional instability to Israeli actions. He urged Japan to recognise an independent Palestinian state, presenting it as essential for lasting peace. “That is the only solution; the apartheid, annexation, and oppression committed by Israel are not feasible solutions,” he stated.
Speaking at the 5th Japan-Arab Economic Forum, Aboul Gheit detailed the impact of the Israeli occupation on Palestinians, leading to the Hamas-led resistance operation in October of last year. He advocated for the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) control over Gaza, supported by an international military force and consortium for reconstruction.
He reminded the audience of the dire living conditions of millions of Palestinians and stressed the need for a political course to reconcile differences between Hamas, the PA, and Israel. Aboul Gheit also called out the double standards in labelling resistance as terrorism in Palestine compared to Europe.
Aboul Gheit concluded by urging Japan to join other nations in recognising a Palestinian state, praising Japan as “a very honourable and respected country.”
