Riyadh: Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit met with Japanese journalists at the Japan National Press Club today, highlighting the significance and potential to develop further and strengthen the ties between Japan and the Arab world. Aboul Gheit stressed the areas for expanding these relations, including technology transfer, investment, economic development cooperation, and trade, which has reached $140 billion since the beginning of this year. He also condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza and the resulting regional instability blamed on Israeli actions. Aboul Gheit urged Japan to recognize an independent Palestinian state, presenting it as a crucial step towards achieving lasting peace in the region. This meeting coincided with the 5th Japan-Arab Economic Forum and was attended by both Japanese and international journalists. Source: Saudi Press Agency