Olmert's Japan visit to focus on economy, Iran
Prime minister to leave Sunday for series of diplomatic meetings in Tokyo, accompanied by senior economic figures. Convoy to be under tight security following warnings on Hizbullah's plan to target Israeli officials following Mugniyah assassination
The visit has been planned for several months now and was cancelled a number of times due to the security-diplomatic situation.
The prime minister's convoy will be under particularly tight security due to the warnings on Hizbullah's plan to target Israeli officials following the assassination of the organization's commander, Imad Mugniyah, which has been blamed on Israel.
In coordination with the Manufacturers Association of Israel, it was decided that the prime minister would be accompanied by a delegation including about 20 of the senior figures in Israel's economy and top businesspeople.
The officials who will travel to Japan with the prime minister include Manufacturers Association of Israel president Shraga Brosh, Israel Diamond Exchange President Avi Paz, Visa Chairman Zeev Holtzman, Elron Chairman Arie Mientkavich, Harel-Hertz Chairman Elhanan Harel, Gemini Israel Funds Chairwoman and former Chief Scientist of the Industry and Trade Ministry Orna Berry, Keter Chairman Sami Sagol, Ralco Agencies CEO Yaron Ruziak, Given Imaging Chairman Israel Makov, Chairman of the Japan-Israel Chamber of Commerce Ehud Ratzabi, Imad Yunes of Alpha Omega, Imad Talhani of ITN, and Ahmed Afifi of Nazran Tours.
The visit is aimed at expanding the economic ties and commerce between the two countries.
Olmert and his hosts are expected to discuss bilateral, economic issues, as well as security issues, including the Qassam rockets, the sanctions imposed on the Gaza Strip and the Iranian nuclear threat.
