Japan seeks to deepen economic ties with Israel

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held says his country seeks to deepen economic ties with the Zionist regime of Israel.

His visit to Israel, the first by a Japanese premier since 2006, is primarily aimed at bolstering the bilateral relationship, particularly in the economic sphere.

Abe also said Tokyo would continue to have an “active engagement” in efforts to broker the PA talks, as he held separate talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the regime’s head Reuven Rivlin.

Abe said he was also about to give some tough advice to both Israel and the Palestinians.

“As a genuine friend, I might offer advice that may not be easy to swallow to both of the parties (PA and Israel),” he told reporters on meeting Netanyahu.

He did not elaborate further, but the Japanese embassy said he would be urging both sides to find ways to return to the negotiating table after the collapse nine months ago of the latest round of talks.