Japan’s foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi met United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih on 21 October to discuss assistance for refugees and displaced people, according to Japan’s foreign ministry.
During the approximately 20-minute meeting, Motegi raised deteriorating humanitarian conditions, including in the Middle East. He welcomed Salih’s initiative to halve refugees’ long-term dependence on humanitarian aid and expressed Japan’s willingness to work with UNHCR.
The ministry said Salih thanked Japan for its longstanding support and sought continued cooperation worldwide. Discussions also covered closer links between humanitarian assistance, development and peacebuilding, alongside cooperation with businesses.
Both sides described support for displaced communities as a contribution to national and regional stability. The ministry’s account announced no new funding commitment or implementation timetable.
Source: Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 21 October 2026.
Image: Tokyo skyline, Japan. Photo by Rin Gakusho on Pexels. Illustrative photograph; not from the reported event.