Japan-Egypt Summit Working Dinner (Summary)

On December 1st, commencing at 19:10 p.m. local time (0:10 a.m. on December 2nd Japan time) for approximately 90 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, who is visiting Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to attend COP28 “United Nations World Climate Action Summit” held a working dinner with H.E. Mr. Abdel-Fattah El-SISI, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The overview is as follows:

1. At the outset, with regard to the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine, Prime MinisterKishida showed his respect for Egypt’s crucial role in making diplomatic efforts including “Cairo Summit for Peace”, and delivering humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

2. Prime Minister Kishida stated that while Japan had welcomed the pause in fighting, the release of hostages and the increased delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, it is regrettable that the fighting has resumed and that it is important to return to the agreement and to calm down the situation as soon as possible. He also stated that all parties must comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and that during actual military operations all possible measures need to be taken in order to prevent the damage on civilians. He expressed his expectation for further role by Egypt in this regard.

3. In response, President El-Sisi expressed his appreciation for Japan’s support toward the improvement of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and stressed the importance of efforts to turn the pause to a permanent ceasefire and as the necessity in the part of the international community to act seriously toward a just and comprehensive solution of the Palestinian issue.

4. In addition, Prime Minister Kishida stated that based on the needs of Egypt, which is in a severe economic and financial situation affected by the recent situation in the Middle East, and while confirming completion of IMF reviews and other factors, preparations will be made to provide financial assistance of approximately US$230 million for the year 2024. In response, President El-Sisi expressed his appreciation for Japan’s assistance.

5. The two leaders concurred on maintaining close cooperation in a wide range of areas such as political, economy, culture, security and climate change, based on the Strategic Partnership between the two countries.