Rivlin and Abe discuss peace process, trade ties in Jerusalem
Japanese leader arrived in Israel on Sunday as part of a six-day Mideast tour; says Japan offering support to contribute to regional peace and stability.
President Reuven Rivlin played host Monday to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his residence in Jerusalem, for a working meeting that touched on the peace process and bilateral ties.
The prime minister arrived in Israel on Sunday as part of a six-day tour in the Middle East. He is accompanied by an entourage of some 100 people, including government officials and 30 Japanese company executives arriving to discuss investment opportunities in the country.
Congratulating Abe on his reelection, Rivlin also praised the Japanese leader for their mediation in the peace process.
"Mr. Prime Minister, we know that you are making many efforts to bring peace to the whole world, and to our region," Rivlin said. "We know you have excellent relationships with all our neighbors, and it is very important for us that as friends you can help us. We are suffering a tragedy that has been going on for the last one hundred and fifty years.
"We have to bring this conflict to an end, but this can only be done through direct negotiations – as you know very well, and you are helping us to make this understood by the Palestinians. Going to the UN or the ICC, in order to solve a problem that we must solve together, only makes peace more distant.
Abe said in response that he and his country are dedicated to contributing to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
"We believe that this is a timely visit, as it coincides with seventieth anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz," Abe said. "Moreover, I am determined to never allow such tragedies to be repeated, and based on this commitment and determination. I am especially committed to making a proactive contribution to world peace, and the creation of a world free of war and discrimination."
Furthermore, the prime minister said, "Japan has been playing a role, and based on our established position, have renewed our determination to make further contributions on this front.
Abe also referred to new efforts to build on the existing ties between the two states, which Israel has made the strategic decision to improve.
"Between Japan and Israel, there is a long standing bond, and I am keen to develop further our bilateral ties," Abe said.
On Sunday, Abe met with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. This is the first visit to Israel by a Japanese premier since 2006, and Abe's first ever trip to the country. It comes shortly after the Israeli government approved a plan to strengthen economic ties and cooperation with Japan.
