Japan's economy minister meets Israeli, Palestinian leaders

Japan’s Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura has met separately with the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to discuss trade and investment in the region on Sunday. He held talks with Israel's President, Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem.

Nishimura said that Japan aims to conclude an economic partnership agreement with Israel. He said the country also would like to deepen exchanges between companies and promote innovation in the two countries. Israel’s President said he is making arrangements to visit Japan and hopes the trip would be a great opportunity to strengthen commercial and diplomatic ties.

Nishimura also met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah when Abbas asked more Japanese companies operate in the territory. Nishimura responded that Japan will promote corporate exchanges between the both sides.