Proposal to bring forward Gaza conference up to Japan


SEREMBAN: Putrajaya is awaiting a response from Tokyo to bring forward a conference with a specific focus on rebuilding Gaza that is due to be held in July, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (pic).

The Foreign Minister said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had asked that the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (Ceapad) be brought forward.

“I have already contacted my Japanese counterpart on this and am waiting for a response.

“The conference will see countries that share a similar aim to rebuild Gaza come together to see how we can raise funds and plan for the purpose,” he told reporters after handing over Chinese New Year ang pow to senior citizens in Paroi yesterday.

Ceapad is a regional conference framework initiated by Japan to support Palestinian state-building efforts by drawing on the resources, knowledge and experiences of economic development of East Asian countries.

Japan invited Malaysia to co-chair Ceapad to help rebuild Gaza.

Anwar had prior to this said the price to rebuild Gaza, which has been destroyed following Israeli attacks since October 2023, is estimated to cost over US$1 trillion (RM4.5 trillion).

Meanwhile, Mohamad also expressed hope that the ceasefire agreement (which took effect on Jan 19) in Gaza as mediated by Egypt, the United States and Qatar will become permanent.

“We very much welcome the 42-day (first stage) ceasefire to stop the killings but hope this becomes permanent so that we can rebuild Gaza.

“It is also our hope that this will eventually lead to Palestine becoming an independent nation, a move also supported by the majority of United Nations member countries,” he said.

On a separate matter, Mohamad said the Cabinet will discuss a plan by US President Donald Trump to impose trade tariffs on imports.

He said Malaysia, being one of the United States’ trade partners, will be affected by the move.

“Since we export electronics and electrical items to the United States, we will also be affected. Wisma Putra is looking at this and the matter will be discussed in the Cabinet,” he added.

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