http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=418530
*Japan, Egypt agree to cooperate on Mideast truce, rebuilding Gaza*
*TOKYO*, Jan. 13 KYODO
*Japan* and Egypt agreed Tuesday to work closely not only on seeking an
immediate cease-fire between Israel and *Hamas* militants but also on
planning for international assistance for the reconstruction of the Gaza
Strip and fostering sustainable peace in the region, Japanese officials
said.
In a telephone call to Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Ali Aboul Gheit,
Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone expressed appreciation for the
significant role played by Egypt in efforts to secure peace in the Middle
East and Africa, and promised that Japan will play an ''active role'' in
supporting the reconstruction of Gaza.
Japan's special envoy for the Middle East, Tatsuo Arima, who is
currently in the region to assist efforts to end the hostilities in the Gaza
Strip, met for talks with Aboul Gheit. Arima's eight-day visit, which began
Saturday, also includes stops in Israel, the Palestinian territories and
Syria.
While being a close ally of the United States, Japan maintains
relatively good relations with both Israel and the Palestinians, and has
been involved in the Middle East peace process. Tokyo has also initiated a
development project to foster trust by building a viable Palestinian
economy.
==Kyodo
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