Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori and visiting Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri have agreed to deepen business and cultural exchanges between Japan and the Middle Eastern state while acknowledging that obstacles remain.
In his Monday meeting with Mori, Hariri asked for more investment by Japanese firms in Lebanon so his nation can act as Japan's "export base" in its trade with Europe.
Mori promised to hold investment seminars in Japan for those firms interested in Hariri's proposal, according to a Japanese official who briefed reporters after their 50-minute meeting at the Prime Minister's Official Residence.
As a step to enhance grassroots exchanges between the two countries, Mori told Hariri that he plans to invite some 10 scholars and young leaders from Beirut to Tokyo, the official said.
As for Hariri's offer to invite Japanese airlines to use Lebanese airports under the nation's "open sky" policy, Mori replied that although immediate actions are unlikely, he would encourage airlines to discuss the invitation.
Pessimistic on peace
Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri expressed pessimism about the Middle East peace process beyond Tuesday's election of a new Israeli prime minister.
In a news conference before his meeting with Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, Hariri said Monday that what the rightwing Likud candidate Ariel Sharon is saying about peace with Palestine is "not encouraging at all."