Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu met with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono this evening at the Knesset. Speaking before the media, Netanyahu said, "I think the future belongs to those who innovate. Japan has tremendous capabilities: scientific, engineering, marketing, industrial; Israel has developed a unique capability in innovation, in every field, every field. And I believe the fact that Japanese companies are coming to Israel, I think expresses that unique partnership which I think has unlimited capabilities." Noting conflicts in the Middle East and the Far East, he added, "We both live in challenging regions, but we're committed to the pursuit of prosperity, security and peace, and I think it's easier for any one of us to achieve it with the help of the other."
Kono said, "The number of the Japanese companies in Israel has doubled in the last three years and the investment, Japanese investment into Israel has increased 20 times in the last three years. So I think the relationship, bilaterally, is going very well, and we would like to continue this momentum." He concluded, "I hope we take this opportunity to strengthen bilateral relationship into the next level."