By Manal Abdel Fattah
Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized their rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians, stressing the need to work towards a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution.
The two leaders made their remarks while meeting on the sidelines of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai on Friday, according to a statement by the Egyptian Presidency’s Spokesman Ahmed Fahmy.
According to Fahmy, both leaders expressed deep regret for the resumption of hostilities and the resulting civilian casualties and condemned the targeting and killing of civilians in any form.
Furthermore, both sides agreed on the utmost importance of providing adequate humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and ensuring full protection for civilians.
The Palestinian health ministry said Saturday that 240 people had been killed in the strip since Friday.
Another 650 people had been injured in “hundreds of air strikes, artillery, and navy bombardments,” it said in a statement, adding that Israeli forces had “particularly targeted Khan Younis, where dozens of houses were destroyed with their inhabitants inside.”
During his talks with the Japanese PM, El-Sisi emphasized the high esteem and appreciation that Egypt holds for Japan and its rich culture on both official and popular levels.
In this regard, El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to enhancing and continuing the strategic partnership and cooperation between the two friendly nations in various fields, particularly in industry, transportation, energy, education, tourism, and culture.
For his part, Kishida welcomed positive developments in the bilateral relationship, commending Egypt’s developmental achievements, especially the implementation of major projects.
This success has encouraged Japanese companies to increase their activities in Egypt, taking advantage of the investment opportunities provided by these projects, he explained, as per the statement.
Additionally, the two leaders highlighted the special importance of bilateral cooperation and political consultation between Egypt and Japan, considering Egypt’s pivotal role in the regional and Middle Eastern context.
