Japan, Israel to launch foreign, defense policy dialogue

May 3, 2018

Jerusalem- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, agreed Wednesday to launch a new dialogue scheme to allow both countries' foreign affairs and defense officials to discuss ways to deepen the two countries' strategic relationship.

During their talks in Jerusalem, the two leaders also confirmed that their countries will step up cooperation in the field of cybersecurity and other advanced technologies, where Israel has an advantage, according to officials familiar with the meeting.

Abe and Netanyahu agreed that Japanese researchers will be sent to Israel's cybersecurity research center, while reiterating their stance of promoting private-sector exchanges in the field, as well.

The Japanese leader called for Middle East peace talks to be resumed in a way that involves the United States, and also urged Israel to refrain from its settlement activity. In response, Netanyahu noted the importance of talks among concerned parties.

Abe expressed his support for efforts to realize peace in the region through a two-state solution.

Netanyahu welcomed Japan's willingness to help build mutual trust between Israelis and Palestinians by promoting its Corridor for Peace and Prosperity aid initiative for Palestinians.

Abe sought Israel's cooperation in blocking North Korea's attempts to evade international sanctions over its nuclear and missile development.

While discussing recent developments related to North Korea, including Friday's inter-Korean summit, Abe underscored the need to see concrete actions by North Korea and not to loosen the sanctions against it at the wrong time. Jiji Press