End war on Gaza and release all hostages, urges FM Yoko Kamikawa Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit seeks to boost economic ties TOKYO: Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and the Arab League’s Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit held talks late Wednesday on boosting economic ties, and the security and stability of Middle East nations. At a working dinner on the sidelines of the 5th Japan-Arab Economic Forum in Tokyo, Kamikawa urged all parties involved in the war on Gaza to abide by international human rights laws. Tokyo wants the release of all hostages and a ceasefire as soon as possible, she said. Kamikawa added that Japan was encouraging Southeast Asian nations to support the work of the UN’s Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development. Aboul Gheit said he wants to deepen economic relations between the parties at the forum, which he is currently attending for the first time as Arab League secretary-general. Kamikawa echoed this view and said cooperation was “steadily developing.” The two sides agreed to continue cooperation on the culture and education fronts. On security, they emphasized the importance of secure and open maritime corridors. They also discussed events in Syria and Libya and pledged to continue working together for Middle East peace and stability. In addition, they discussed the progress of women’s empowerment in society. Aboul Gheit also held talks with Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi on Wednesday, which included cooperation on education.