JERUSALEM, October 29, 2016 (WAFA) - The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Pierre Krähenbühl, discussed during a recent visit to Japan the current situation of Palestinian refugees in the Agency‘s fields of operations, an UNRWA press release said Friday.

Krahenbuhl, who concluded on Friday a three-day mission to Japan, focused in his meeting with senior officials on the importance to improve prospects for Palestine refugees, in particular youth, and on avenues to further expand the exemplary cooperation with Japan.

He also expressed deep appreciation for Japan‘s genuine solidarity and record-level support to UNRWA in 2016, said the press release.

The Commissioner-General delivered a lecture at Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Research Institute on UNRWA’s work and on the importance to keep a strong focus on Palestine refugees.

Furthermore, Krähenbühl met and exchanged views with representatives from several Japan-based NGOs working on Palestine refugees issues.

The Commissioner-General expressed his sincere gratitude and said: "The level of concern for the Palestine refugee community, the interest in UNRWA‘s work and the respect for our staff was a source of great encouragement during the visit. I look forward to our continued partnership with Japan."

In 2015, Japan was among the top five donors to the Agency‘s core programs and services, including education, health care, and relief and social services.

Earlier this month, Japan announced an additional contribution of JPY 420 million (approximately US$ 4 million) to support the UNRWA food assistance program in Gaza, bringing the total contributions to UNRWA in 2016 to U$ 44 million. A record year for Japan‘s support to UNRWA.

M.A.