Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida has pledged $12 million in additional aid to Palestine as part of an effort to advance peace in the region.
Kishida made the pledge during an enlarged "Quartet" meeting on the Middle East peace process in New York on Wednesday. The United States, the European Union, Russia, the United Nations and other partner countries such as Japan, China, Egypt and Saudi Arabia took part in the meeting.
Kishida called for the realization of a "sustainable economy in Palestine," according to the text of his speech released by the Foreign Ministry.
"To push forward the Middle East peace process, it is necessary to step up economic and social development, in addition to political initiatives," he said.
Referring to Japan's presidency of the Group of Seven industrialized nations next year, Kishida said, "Japan will more proactively contribute to and provide creative wisdom for the Middle East peace process in cooperation with the international community."
The foreign minister also said it will be useful for the Middle East to involve Asia in its economic development, as Asian countries can share their experience in developing their economies.
Later on Wednesday, Kishida held talks with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir and affirmed bilateral cooperation in tackling violent extremism, according to the ministry.
Kishida and al-Jubeir discussed other regional affairs such as the Iranian nuclear issue. They also agreed to boost bilateral exchanges in political and other areas, it said.