[Provisional Translation]
On June 16, commencing at 12.33p.m. local time (7.33p.m. on the same day, Japan time) for approximately 100 minutes, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan attended the G7 Evian Summit working lunch session “Addressing crises and ensuring stability in the Middle East.” In addition to the G7 leaders, leaders of the Arab Republic of Egypt, State of Qatar and United Arab Emirates participated in this session.
Prime Minister TAKAICHI welcomed the agreement of a Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran as a major step toward de-escalation of the situation. She expressed her respect for the United States’persistent diplomatic efforts and for the efforts of the countries that played a role in mediation.
She stated that, through the implementation of this tentative agreement, it is important that free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is actually ensured and that a final agreement is reached as soon as possible. She also stated that Japan will continue its diplomatic efforts, including its engagement with Iran.
Regarding energy issues highlighted by the Hormuz crisis, Prime Minister TAKAICHI emphasized the importance of opposing unjustified export restrictions and maintaining free and transparent trade. She also stressed the need to ensure free and safe navigation through all sea lanes, including the Strait of Hormuz, which is essential for global trade.
She introduced Japan's “Powerr Asia”(Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia) initiative and stated that countries should work with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to strengthen national oil stockpiles. She further emphasized that cooperation between both energy-producing and energy-consuming countries is necessary to maintain stability in global energy markets.
On the situation surrounding Gaza, Prime Minister TAKAICHI underscored the importance of steadily implementing the “Comprehensive Plan” without delay. She stated that Japan will continue to play an active role through personnel contribution, recovery and reconstruction assistance, and expansion of the network of assistance across Asia.
The G7 leaders concurred to continue working closely together to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.