The Hague: Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya has emphasized the need for the "faithful" implementation of the ceasefire between Israel and Iran during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussion took place on the sidelines of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit, attended by foreign ministers and heads of state from the 32 NATO member countries.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Japanese Foreign Ministry released a statement outlining that Iwaya and Rubio addressed the current situation in the Middle East and ongoing US tariffs. Minister Iwaya expressed his approval of the recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Iran, labeling it a significant development. He stressed the importance of ensuring its faithful execution to promote peace and stability in the region.

The talks between Iwaya and Rubio also highlighted the necessity of enhanced diplomatic efforts to achieve long-term stability in the Middle East. Additionally, they agreed to back their respective ministers in tariff negotiations aimed at reaching a mutually beneficial agreement between Japan and the United States.

Japan is facing a 24% reciprocal tariff rate starting July 9 unless a favorable deal can be negotiated with Washington. To address this issue, Ryosei Akazawa, Tokyo's chief negotiator and economic revitalization minister, is scheduled to travel to Washington for tariff discussions, marking his seventh visit for this purpose.

In a related development, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba canceled his planned visit to the NATO leaders' summit earlier this week.