The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Jerusalem

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday headed to Japan on a rare visit expected to focus on bilateral economic ties as well as efforts to halt Iran's controversial nuclear drive. During the three-day trip -- the first official visit by an Israeli premier to Japan in 10 years -- Olmert will hold talks with Emperor Akihito, his counterpart Yasuo Fukuda and Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura. The visit will take place under tight security following the killing of a senior Hezbollah leader in Damascus two weeks ago. The Shiite group blamed the killing on Israel, which denied any involvement. The Israeli premier, a former finance minister, will be accompanied by businessmen and officials seeking to bolster commercial ties between the Jewish state and the world's second largest economy. Olmert will also press his hosts to stop buying Iranian-produced petrol in order to keep economic and diplomatic pressure on Tehran, a government officials said.