TOKYO: Japan will continue to offer assistance that will contribute to the welfare of the people in Lebanon, Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa said at a press conference on Friday. 

鈥淭his is because we consider that peace and stability in Lebanon is extremely important for the Middle East as a whole,鈥� he said in response to a question regarding Japan鈥檚 possible contribution to the French-Saudi Fund in support of Lebanon. 

鈥淲e are aware of the press reports that said the UAE will join,鈥� Hayashi said.

鈥淎t this juncture, the details of the fund have not been made clear,鈥� he continued.

With this in mind, he stated that it鈥檚 not yet the right time to make any concrete decisions on the matter.