Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi is meeting with his counterparts from other Group of Seven nations in Italy.

The two-day gathering began on Monday with a session on the Middle East, with officials from Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, in attendance.

Details of the talks have not been disclosed. Foreign Minister Iwaya apparently emphasized the importance of keeping up efforts to bring stability back to the region.

It was likely that Iwaya expressed concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian situations in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon and called for cooperation on the matter.

The foreign ministers are also expected to discuss the situation in Ukraine.