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Japanese FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Strategic Partnership with Saudi Arabia, Concerns Over Syrian Stalemate

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi (Asharq Al-Awsat).
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi (Asharq Al-Awsat).
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Japanese FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Strategic Partnership with Saudi Arabia, Concerns Over Syrian Stalemate

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi (Asharq Al-Awsat).
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi (Asharq Al-Awsat).

In an exclusive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said that Saudi Arabia “is not only the cornerstone of stability in the Middle East but also an important partner for us for energy security in Japan,” noting that Tokyo will continue to “make further progress” in the strategic partnership between the two countries.

On Sunday, Motegi will kick-start from Egypt a Middle East tour that includes seven countries. The trip will continue until Aug. 24.

The visit aims to renew the commitment of “Japan, which has established strong relations with the countries of the Middle East for several years, to peace and prosperity in the region, and the importance of the international system based on the rule of law,” according to a statement.

“We plan to discuss cooperation for regional stability,” the minister told Asharq Al-Awsat, adding that he would review a series of topics with the aim of “developing a unique and special diplomacy in Japan, based on the old and well-established friendship.”

Motegi noted that Japan was making efforts with Iran, which is included in his visit, to urge Tehran to “reduce tensions and work to stabilize the situation” in the Middle East, pointing to six conversations he held with former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif directly and over the phone.

Asked about the Japanese policy towards the Middle East, he said: “The Middle East is an important region for Japan for energy security, and we have established good relations with it over many years through various cooperation. And now, I have come to visit the region with the intent of developing unique and special diplomacy for Japan, building on the long-standing and well-established friendship.”

On the peace process between the Israelis and Palestinians, the Japanese foreign minister replied: “I will first talk about peace in the Middle East. Jerusalem is a place where various religious and ethnic conflicts have persisted throughout history and never ceased, and this was also due to the various conflicts between countries outside the region. I am sure that there are efforts to build confidence that can only be achieved through Japan, which has no such negative historical legacy. An example is the ‘Peace and Prosperity Corridor’ initiative, which Japan is promoting in cooperation with Israel and Jordan, as an original and exclusive initiative of its own.”

He continued: “The main project of this initiative, the Jericho Agricultural Industrial City Project (JAIP), supports the robust development of the self-reliant Palestinian economy, by increasing employment opportunities for Palestinians.”

On Syrian, Motegi expressed concern over the stagnant situation in the country.

He emphasized the need to re-establish diplomatic efforts based on dialogue and cooperation, saying that during this visit to the Middle East, he would exchange views with Arab countries and discuss ways to improve the situation in Syria, and thus the stability of the entire region.

On what can Japan offer to connect the countries of the region, the senior official said his country would vigorously promote diplomacy that only Japan can carry out based on the trust gained in the countries of the Middle East.

“I think that the most important thing at present when these major powers and emerging powers are competing with each other, is not trying to impose the specific viewpoint through power, but rather seeking ways to find solutions according to the rules of the international community, and also through the creation of new rules that respond to various changes such as economic, social and technological innovation,” Motegi said, in response to a question about the future of international forces in the Middle East.

Regarding his opinion on the Japanese relations with the Gulf States, in particular Saudi Arabia, the foreign minister said that Japan has established good relations with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, noting that the Kingdom, which plays an important role in the G20, “is not only a cornerstone of stability in the Middle East but also an important partner for us for energy security in Japan.”

“Japan supports the non-dependence on oil, industrial diversification, and economic and social reforms promoted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within the framework of the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 […]. We will continue our efforts to achieve further progress in the strategic partnership between the two countries in broad fields,” he underlined.

On the role that Japan could play with Iran, Motegi stressed that his country could openly exchange views with Iran by taking advantage of their long-standing and traditional friendship.

“For example, when former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Iran during the heightened tensions in the Middle East, he directly urged Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to ease tensions and stabilize the situation. Since then, mutual communication continues at the level of leaders and foreign ministers, and since I assumed my position as foreign minister, I have had 6 conversations with the Iranian foreign minister, directly and by phone,” he said.

Japan intends to cooperate closely with the concerned countries, including Saudi Arabia and Iran, to actively contribute to easing tensions and stabilizing the situation in the Middle East, taking advantage of its unique and special position, the minister concluded.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.