Prime minister, his Japanese counterpart sign joint declaration stating countries plan to cooperate in economic, political, science and technology fields; declaration includes no reference to Iran
TOKYO – Israel
and Japan signed a joint statement Wednesday, which includes Japanese support for the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians, but no reference to Iran.
The joint declaration, signed between Prime Minister Ehud Olmert
and Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, states that the two countries will deepen their cooperation in economic and political issues.
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Addressing the Israeli-Palestinian issue, the declaration states that "the two sides confirm that a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict will contribute to the achievement of stability and prosperity in the Middle East."
The Japanese prime minister expressed his great support for the continued talks between Israel and the Palestinians, in a bid to reach a peace agreement between the two sides.
Olmert reiterated his commitment to exert every effort in order to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians before the end of 2008. Fukuda expressed his country's willingness to provide any help needed to these peace efforts.
The prime minister expressed his deep appreciation for Japan's contribution to the Middle East peace process and for the Japanese aide to the Palestinians.
Photo: Moshe Milner, GPO
The statement went on to say that "the two sides share the vision of two states living side by side in security. They reiterate their deep commitment to the establishment of a peace corridor in the Jordan Rift Valley, near Jericho, through the cooperation of the two countries, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority. The parties call for another ministerial meeting of the four involved countries in order to advance this initiative as soon as possible."
The two leaders decided to deepen the economic relations between the countries. The two sides, the joint statement said, share the viewpoint on additional development of the economic relations.
The declaration praises the arrival of the Israeli economic delegation in Tokyo with the prime minister, in order to advancer economic initiative between the two countries in he fields of commerce, investments, industry, agriculture, tourism and environment.
Israel and Japan have appointed work teams to prepare a report for the continued activity between the two governments.
60th anniversary celebration to strengthen ties
The two governments vowed to operate direct flights between the two countries in order to deepen the economic ties between them. The statement also notes the cooperation in terms of science and technology. A meeting on this issue will be held in Tokyo later this year.
The two countries also welcomed the continued cooperation in the field of space research.
The joint statement also mentions the State of Israel's 60th anniversary as an opportunity to strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries.
Israeli officials praised the joint declaration as an achievement. According to the officials, the official signed document is viewed by the Japanese as extremely significant in deepening the relations between the countries.
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