KUALA LUMPUR: Japan respects the stand taken by Malaysia of condemning the oppression against the Palestinians in Gaza.
The matter was confirmed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a joint press conference with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida today, in conjunction with the latter's visit to Malaysia.
Both leaders, said Anwar, his given their support for peace to prevail in Gaza.
"Although there is a difference in emphasis, but I must commend on Prime Minister Kishida for his commitment first against the settlements by Israelis into Palestine.
"Secondly for his support so that there is peace in the region and total humanitarian assistance in Gaza because the bombs into Gaza has exceeded the extent of the damage compared to Hiroshima during World War 2," Anwar said.
Both leaders had a lengthy meeting to discuss bilateral relations, especially in the fields of trade and investment, education, defence, environment and energy security, as well as information and communication.
Last month, Japan condemned Hamas for its "terror attack" that led to the ongoing large-scale military clash in Gaza.
However, it has refrained from criticising Israel's fierce bombardments, viewed as disproportionate by an increasing number of nations.
Just yesterday, Japan has provided US$65 million in additional humanitarian aid to Palestinians out of concern over the conflict in Gaza.