JERUSALEM -- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to return to peace negotiations with Israel during their meeting in the Palestinian city of Ramallah on Tuesday night.
During talks at the President's Office, Abe pledged his support for the "two-state solution" calling for Israel and Palestine to coexist.
Mindful of the backlash from Palestinians over the United States' decision to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem, Abe told Abbas that Japan has no intention of moving its embassy there.
Abe also said, "It is important to negotiate face-to-face if the United States offers any proposals," as he views U.S. engagement as essential for realizing peace in the Middle East.
The Palestinian leader described the current situation as very tough and pinned his hopes on Japan's role in the Middle East peace process.
Abe promoted the idea of a "corridor for peace and prosperity" that aims for Palestine's economic independence, and stressed his desire to work toward building trust between Israel and Palestine. He also pledged food aid worth 10 million dollars (about 1.09 billion yen).
The prime minister was to meet his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday and urge him to commit to bringing peace to the region.
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