Japan-Israel Relations

On December 25th, from 13:05hrs local time for approximately 80 minutes, H.E. Mr.Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended a working lunch hosted by H.E. Mr. Tzachi Hanegbi, Minister of Regional Cooperation, during his visit to Israel. The overview is as follows.

1. In the beginning, Minister Hanegbi welcomed Minister Kono's visit to Israel, and expressed his appreciation to Japan's "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity" initiative.
2. In response, Minister Kono thanked for the cooperation from Minister Hanegbi, as Minister in charge of the "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity" which is a Japan's unique initiative. Minister Kono asked Minister Hanegbi for continuous cooperation to further develop Jericho Agro-Industrial Park (JAIP). In reply, Minister Hanegbi stressed Israel's readiness to work together and welcomed Japan's contribution through development of JAIP.
3. The two ministers exchanged views on the situation surrounding the Middle East Peace Process and Israel's relationships with countries in the region.
4.  Regarding the issues of North Korea, Minister Kono emphasized the importance of elevating pressure on NK by all means including the full implementation of the UNSC resolutions. Minister Kono also expressed his expectation for the understanding and cooperation of Israel towards an early resolution of the abduction issue.