Abe leaves for Mideast tour to pledge support for peace

(MENAFN- Arab News) TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe left Tokyo on Friday for a six-day tour of the Middle East pledging to play a role in regional stability while also pushing Japan's infrastructure exports.'I hope to send a message that Japan will offer support in non-military fields to contribute to regional peace and stability' Abe who is being accompanied by a phalanx of business leaders told reporters ahead of his departure.Abe who will visit Egypt Jordan Israel and the Palestinian territories said 'I hope to send a message to the world that Japan together with the Middle East will build a tolerant society.'The tour comes 'right after the terror attack in Paris but Islamic society and extremism are totally different from each other' he added referring to the murderous assault on the offices of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.Dozens of Japanese company executives are also accompanying Abe and 'we expect to strengthen economic ties with each of these nations' Abe's right-hand man Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters this week.Since taking office in December 2012 Abe has worked to boost Japan's profile in global affairs.