Press Statement
by Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Shintaro Ito
Jerusalem, August 3, 2006
1. I am visiting Israel and the Palestinian Autonomous Territories today for the second time after my first visit here in January this year when I led the Japanese Observer Team for the Palestinian Legislative Council elections. The purpose of this visit is to follow-up on Prime Minister Koizumi's visit in July and to conduct a frank exchange of views with Israeli and Palestinian leaders following the latest, turbulent events in this region. I had a meaningful conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Tsippi Livni and, from Palestinian Authority, Dr. Nasser Al-Kidwa, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dr. Rafig Husseini, Chief Adviser to President Abbas yesterday concerning the situation on Israeli-Lebanese border and on the Palestinian territories.
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4. Last month, when Prime Minister Koizumi visited this region he reiterated his support for President Abbas who is striving for peaceful co-existence with Israel based on the two-state solution. He also expressed his intention to take an initiative toward establishing a "Corridor of Peace and Prosperity" through cooperation with the Governments of Israel and Jordan, as well as the Palestinian Authority. This is part of Japan's efforts to realize co-existence and co-prosperity between Israel and Palestine. I was pleased to note that both the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority reiterated their willingness to work with us despite the current difficulties.
Country: Japan
Subject: Gaza Strip, Peace proposals and efforts, Situation in the OPT including Jerusalem
Publication Date: 03/08/2006