Japan has pledged to immediately recognize a Palestinian state if it achieves independence peacefully during the first-ever ministerial dialogue between Japan and the autonomous Palestinian Authority.
Foreign Minister Yohei Kono spelled out the promise in a joint statement issued Thursday after the 40-minute meeting with visiting Palestinian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Nabil Sha'ath.
"Both sides expressed their strong hope that an independent and democratic Palestinian state would be effectively established through peaceful means," the statement said.