Press Releases

1. On March 22, commencing at 7:40 p.m. for approximately 70 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs hosted a dinner meeting with H.E. Mr. Tzachi Hanegbi, Minister of Regional Cooperation of State of Israel who is currently visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows:

2. Minister Kono welcomed Minister Hanegbi’s visit to Japan, mentioning his own visit to Israel last year, and said that Japan would like to further strengthen bilateral relations. In reply, Minister Hanegbi also welcomed the remarkable development of the relations in the recent years, and that he would like to enhance cooperation with Japan in various fields.

3. The two Ministers held a frank exchange of views on the issue of the Middle East Peace Process. Minister Kono stated that Japan will continue to advance the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative, and expressed appreciation and expectations for Minister Hanegbi’s cooperation to the initiative. In reply, Minister Hanegbi stated that, Japan’s efforts has been implemented consistently including through difficult times, that Israel appreciates Japan’s initiative very highly from the perspective of providing hope to the Palestinians, and that Israel will continue its cooperation to the initiative.

4. The two Ministers also discussed situations in the Middle East region, including the situation in Gaza as well as the situation in Syria, and they shared the view that they will continue their cooperation for peace and stability in the region.