[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a courtesy call from participants in the Middle East Peace Project in Shizuoka, at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“I welcome everyone from Israel and Palestine who has come to Japan through the Middle East Peace Project to the Prime Minister Office.

The Middle East Peace Project aims to provide an opportunity for young people from Israel and Palestine to learn the preciousness of peace and the importance of mutual understanding through their stay in Japan. It is a project filled with the hope that the future of the Middle East will be created by young people through exchanges with one another. I would like to express my respect to Shizuoka City for their acceptance of this project this year.

In Shizuoka City, which incidentally I also visited when I was young, I heard that you were able to learn more about Japanese history by visiting the Toro Ruins and Sengen Shrine, and that you had exchanges with Japanese youths through homestays and visits to a local high school. I am very pleased to hear that you had such meaningful experiences.

I hope that even after your return to each of your countries, you will never forget your experiences in Japan, and that you will further foster the friendships you have made with your Israeli and Palestinian friends, while holding dear the feelings of mutual influence and mutual understanding.

The issue of peace in the Middle East is certainly a difficult one. However, I am confident that if all of you continue to make efforts for mutual understanding as leaders of the next generation, Israel and Palestine will be able to aim for peace together. It is my heartfelt wish that you cherish the time you have spent together in Japan, and that you will continue work hand-in-hand toward the realization of peace in the future.”