TL;DR
Taro Aso supported regional economic cooperation as a means to foster trust and stability between Israelis and Palestinians.
Key Points
As Foreign Minister in 2007, he proposed the "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity" initiative involving Israel, Palestine, and Jordan to boost regional economic cooperation.
In 2009, as Prime Minister, he expressed a strong attachment to youth exchange projects aimed at building trust between Israeli and Palestinian participants.
In December 2008, he welcomed the efforts of the Israeli Prime Minister to advance the peace process with the Palestinians during a telephone discussion.
Summary
Taro Aso, when serving as Japan's Foreign Minister, articulated a policy centered on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East through concrete economic initiatives involving Israel and the Palestinian Authority. He expressed disappointment over the deepening disarray, particularly following the split in Palestinian politics, asserting that political stability and security must precede Palestinian economic development. A key component of his strategy was the proposal for a "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity," a joint project with Israelis, Palestinians, and Jordanians, designed to promote regional cooperation through initiatives like an agro-industrial park in the West Bank, which he believed would build vital trust.
This proactive diplomacy, which he framed as a unique Japanese contribution, aimed to generate hope and confidence, especially among Palestinian youth, as an antidote to the despair fueling violence. He maintained high-level political interest in this initiative, even after assuming the position of Prime Minister, welcoming the efforts of the Israeli Prime Minister to advance the peace process. Furthermore, Aso's engagement included hosting dialogue forums and exchange projects for Israeli and Palestinian youths to enhance mutual understanding, showcasing a commitment to fostering reconciliation from the ground up.
Key Quotes
I hope that such an occasion would become an opportunity for trust building.
Japanese Prime Minister Aso welcomed the efforts of Prime Minister Olmert’s Government to advance the peace process with the Palestinians and expressed the hope that it would soon bear fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Taro Aso's position centers on actively engaging with Israel as a necessary partner for fostering stability in the Middle East. He has strongly advocated for Japanese-led economic cooperation projects, such as the "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity," to build trust between Israelis and Palestinians. His focus has been on practical steps toward regional stability rather than deep political commentary.
Yes, Taro Aso visited Israel in 2007 while he was serving as Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs. This visit was part of his efforts to promote peace initiatives between Israelis and Palestinians. Records of bilateral relations list his visit to Israel in 2007.
Taro Aso stressed that political stability and security in the Middle East were preconditions for Palestinian economic development. He believed that cooperative undertakings, like the proposed economic corridor, would generate trust, confidence, and optimism, serving as an effective way to build immunity to terrorism. He welcomed diplomatic progress made by leaders in the region.
Sources6
UN MEDIA SEMINAR ON MIDDLE EAST OPENS AMID ‘GREAT UNCERTAINTY AND DIFFICULTY’; MEETING AIMS TO BOOST CONFIDENCE FROM BOTTOM UP, SAYS COMMUNICATIONS CHIEF
Bilateral relations | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PM Olmert Speaks with Japanese PM Aso
The Prime Minister Receives a Courtesy Call from Youths from Israel and Palestine
Address by H.E. Mr. Taro Aso, Minister for Foreign Affairs "Middle East Policy As I See It"
Speech by Foreign Minister Taro Aso at the Reception for the Third Israel-Palestine Peace and Confidence-Building Conference
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.