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On April 29, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a press occasion at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
Regarding his visit to the Middle East, the Prime Minister said,
 
“From today, I will be heading to the Middle East.
 
For Japan, the Middle East is an extremely important region from the perspective of stable energy supply. In addition, concerning our relations with the region, I believe that we must strengthen our multifaceted relations in various fields including the economy, security, and advanced technology, not limited to energy.
 
Japan has made contributions that only Japan can do in the areas humanitarian assistance for refugees and economic development assistance and built up a very good relationship with the Middle East to date. Based on our mutual trust, I intend to contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East and the Middle East peace process.
 
On this occasion, I will visit both Israel and Palestine. I also intend to call on both sides to constructively engage in the Middle East Peace Process.
 
We will also work to foster relationships of trust among stakeholders through the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative, which is being advanced by Japan. I hope that Japan can contribute to the Middle East peace process in this way.”