Ankara: Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi expressed hope that international support for Palestine would continue to grow, stating that the viability of Palestine is essential to realizing a two-state solution, state media reported Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Motegi made these remarks while co-chairing the ministerial meeting of the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD), held in Manila, the Philippines, on Wednesday, as reported by state broadcaster NHK. The CEAPAD framework was launched under Japan's leadership in 2013 to discuss support for Palestine.

Representatives from the Palestinian Authority and East Asian nations participated in the meeting. Stressing the significance of CEAPAD, Motegi said the framework can contribute to Palestinian state-building efforts through medium- to long-term human resource development. He cited talent development in areas including healthcare, education, agriculture, and tourism.

Motegi also highlighted the importance of trilateral cooperation, in which partner countries collaborate to support Palestine by drawing on their respective strengths.