By TPS • 23 June, 2019

The Chief of Japan’s Self Defense Forces General K?ji Yamazaki visited Israel as the guest of IDF Chief of General Staff LTG. Aviv Kohavi, the first time such a visit took place since diplomatic relations between Japan and Israel were established in 1952.

The IDF stated that the two military leaders met to “discuss the potential to further the partnership between their militaries.”

The visit included talks on “the regional situation and its challenges and opportunities,” the IDF added.

Yamazaki also met with Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Eyal Zamir, Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin, Navy Commander Major General Eli Sharvit, and Major General Lior Carmeli, head of the C4i & Cyber Defense Directorate.

The Japanese military chief also visited Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.