Japan-Israel Relations
Japan-Israel Summit Telephone Talk
December 2, 2020
On December 2, commencing at 4:30 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. SUGA Yoshihide, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Benjamin NETANYAHU, Prime Minister of the State of Israel. The overview of the talk is as follows.
- At the outset, Prime Minister Suga thanked Prime Minister Netanyahu for his congratulatory letter on the appointment as Prime Minister of Japan, adding that he intends to further strengthen Japan-Israel relations, as well as to build mutual trust with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu, while offering his congratulations on Prime Minister Suga’s appointment to office, expressed his hopes for the further development of bilateral relations, mentioning bilateral economic ties, which have developed significantly in recent years.
- The two leaders shared the view to enhance bilateral relations at all levels and to cooperate on various issues that the international community faces, such as addressing issues related to North Korea, including the abductions issue.
- The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East. Prime Minister Suga expressed his hope for a prudent and flexible approach from Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding the Middle East Peace Process, reaffirming Japan’s support for a “two-state solution.” He also expressed his continued commitment to confidence-building among the concerned parties through Japan’s unique initiatives such as the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative.