Japan's Abe: "I Want to Visit the Middle East This Month"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated, "If the overall situation permits this month, I would like to proceed with preparations for a visit to the Middle East," Kyodo News reported on the 4th.

On the same day, Prime Minister Abe responded this way to reporters' questions regarding the escalating Middle East situation following the U.S. elimination of a key Iranian military figure, while at a golf course in Chiba Prefecture, Japan.

According to the news agency, Prime Minister Abe is coordinating a tour of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) around mid-month. Japan, a U.S. ally, has maintained a relatively friendly relationship with Iran.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani visited Japan in late last month and held talks with Prime Minister Abe at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Tokyo. Earlier, in June last year, Prime Minister Abe visited Iran and held a summit with President Rouhani.

Meanwhile, known as a golf enthusiast, Prime Minister Abe played a round of golf with business figures for the fourth time during the year-end and New Year holidays.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.