Taro Kono on Palestine

As Foreign Minister, Taro Kono explicitly supported the two-state solution, expressing hope for an independent Palestinian state co-existing with Israel in peace and security, a position often reiterated by the Japanese government under his tenure. He emphasized Japan's role as a friend to Palestine, committing to both political and economic contributions, including advancing the "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity" initiative focused on economic development like the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park. More recently, as a political contender, Kono suggested that Japan should consider recognizing Palestine as a state to underscore the need to resolve the humanitarian crisis, while acknowledging Japan's good relationship with Israel.

His approach has been characterized by a desire to enhance diplomatic relations and provide concrete development assistance, as shown by his 2017 commitment to intensify political efforts under the "Kono Four Principles". He engaged directly with Palestinian leadership, discussing digital cooperation in 2023, even while the broader Japanese foreign policy has historically balanced support for international law with alignment with the United States. Kono's recent suggestion regarding recognition signals a potentially more proactive diplomatic stance than Japan's traditional approach.