Director General of the Middle Eastern Affairs at the Japanese Foreign Ministry Motohide Yoshikawa pledged his country’s support for a credible economic program in Lebanon and reaffirmed backing for Lebanese stability, after meeting MP Saad Rafic Hariri in New York, where the head of the Future bloc also met Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Yoshikawa, who visited Beirut this month, said Tokyo supports the new government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and invited him to visit Japan. He also described assassinated Prime Minister Rafic Hariri as “a great friend of Japan,” and highlighted Japan’s participation in the United Nations commission that is investigating the February car bombing that killed the late Premier. He said Japanese police forces are taking part in the probe in Beirut. The Japanese diplomat stressed his country is exerting efforts to bolster Lebanese stability, and said he hoped the UN team will reveal the truth behind the killing.
Mr. Yoshikawa also pledged economic backing for Lebanon. “Japan will continue to support the economic development of Lebanon if Lebanon comes up with a credible program of development, Japan will be among donor communities to help."
Later, MP Hariri received the Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa. Discussions focused on regional and international developments.