TOKYO: Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa hosted, today, April 17, the “Iran and the Middle East” session of G7 Foreign Ministers in Karuizawa, Japan. It is attended by the Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs, European External Action Service (EEAS) on behalf of the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Minister Hayashi explained Japan’s diplomatic efforts with regard to Iran, reaffirming the telephone talk with Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, held the previous week that was aimed at addressing numerous issues such as Iran’s expansion of nuclear development activities and provision of drones to Russia. Minister Hayashi also stated that it is imperative that Iran take measures to ease tensions, including fully and unconditionally implementing what was agreed during the visit of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Grossi to Iran in March. Following this, the G7 Foreign Ministers reaffirmed that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon and shared the view that they will continue to call on Iran to fulfill its obligations and political commitments regarding nuclear non-proliferation. In addition, the G7 Foreign Ministers confirmed that they will call on Iran to stop assisting the Russian military in its war of aggression against Ukraine. Regarding the Middle East Peace, Minister Hayashi stated that medium- to long-term stability in the region cannot be achieved without realizing the Middle East Peace, and that in order to maintain the prospects for a two-state solution, it is important to end the cycle of violence on the ground, create opportunities for dialogues, and promote confidence-building. The G7 Foreign Ministers concurred that the G7 will continue to work together to address regional issues including the Middle East Peace.