Japan has decided not to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state for the time being, taking a cautious approach ahead of the U.N. General Assembly while reaffirming its support for a two-state solution.
On Sept. 19, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya stated that Japan would not advance recognition during the assembly, highlighting the need to carefully assess what actions would realistically lead to a two-state solution. Iwaya also held separate discussions with Israeli and Palestinian counterparts, as well as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to explain Japan’s position.
Japan plans to present its stance at an international conference on the two-state solution in New York on Sept. 22, amid expectations that several countries may recognize Palestine during the gathering. While the United States opposes such recognition, Iwaya emphasized that Japan’s decision was made independently.
The Japanese government also announced that outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will attend the U.N. General Assembly from Sept. 23 to 25 to deliver a speech. Going forward, Japan intends to urge Israel to halt unilateral actions and seek greater pressure from the United States to support a fair resolution.